Fake: SPACE BADGE

[SpaceCadet1983]

Warning to forum members: this is a common copy of an original Breast Sign to Honorary Title <Cosmonautics Veteran of Russia> currently listed on E. The seller says:

"This is a rare ORIGINAL 1960's Russian Space Program pinback made especially for cosmonauts (astronauts) - so you can well imagine that there are VERY few of these around. The writing translates to "Veteran of Soviet Space Program" and there is an image of a meteor, stars and the planet Earth.":chuckle:chuckle:laff

"While there are MANY fake Russian medals all over the Internet, this is absolutely guaranteed to be authentic. Measures about 1 1/2 inches across. Good condition - some slight surface wear, but NO chips or cracks in the inlay.":chuckle:chuckle:laff:

"SPECIAL NOTE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: This item can not be sent to Russia, ironically. It is a serious crime to transport this category of item across the Russian border (counted as a national historic artifact, or some similar wording.)":laff:laff:laff

In actuality, this is a common copy of a Cosmonautics Federation of Russia Breast Sign to Honorary Title <Cosmonautics Veteran of Russia>, which was instituted on December 6, 1996. The meteor the seller refers to is Sputnik, the Earth's first artificial satellite. On the reverse of the real badge is the inscription: <COSMONAUTICS FEDERATION OF RUSSIA> along the upper periphery. The St. Petersburg Mint's trademark is placed in the lower part. Quantity: 800 pieces. The authentic badge is shown in the third picture from the left.

Buyer beware!:thumbsdown:thumbsdown:thumbsdown
Rare! ORIGINAL 1960's RUSSIAN COSMONAUT PIN /astronaut - eBay (item 140251398331 end time Jul-30-08 20:00:00 PDT)