Why Do You Collect Soviet Awards?

[EricFG]

I've joined this forum few days ago and expected almost only Soviet People, collecting Soviet awards.
I do understand, why Soviets collecting it. It's history of State, we were born and raised. We could not collect it back in USSR: there was prison time for selling or buying Medals and sure, Orders!
But why Americans and people from others States are interesting in this?.

In the beginning the medals were cheap and pretty. Then I got 'The Red Book' and from there it was 'gotta get one of each'. After that it became a literal addiction (that I fight from time to time(with marginal success I might add)).

First thing came to my mind: Soviet Awards(You have to admit it) made better, then most of others States Awards. Look... not talking about Anniversary Medals, Medals and Orders made of silver and gold. And made very good!?.

Well, initially I was into Third Reich material. Some very nice quality stuff there. But the prices took off. After that I went into Imperial German material. Talk about your "quality".... Indeed, much of the 19th and very early 20th century European OMDs can be of stunning quality (and price). Then 15+ years ago Soviet stuff started flooding the market and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.....

But You collecting documents too. And as I can see, You not only know a lot of Soviet History(I see it in Posts), but even can read and understand Russian Language!!!?.

Well, about all I can decipher is "Spasibo" and "Tovarich". I can't even recognize the Russian word for 'beer'. And I'm very ashamed...