Soviet Medals

Medal for the Defense of the Soviet Arctic
Established 5 December 1944. Also known as the "Defense of the Soviet Transpolar Region" and "Defense of Polar Region" medal. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and civilians who took part in the defense of the Soviet Arctic. Beginning 29 June 1941, German and Finnish troops started an offensive move towards Murmansk. Towards the end of July, enemy troops moved 30 km into Soviet territory, but were met with resistance by the Soviet Army, North Soviet Navy, and Partisans. Enemy troops were stopped in the harsh arctic environment long enough for the Soviet forces to begin a counter-offensive. It is made of brass. Approximately 350,000 were issued.
Variation 1 R1
	On a separately soldered ring. full obverse pic detail pic
Variation 2 R1
	Ring is part of the medal. full obverse pic detail pic

Medal for the Defense of the Caucasus
Established 1 May 1944. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and civilians who took part in the defense of the Caucasus. Required was a confirmation of at least 3 months service in the Caucasus defense between the period of July 1942 until October 1943. A Nazi military operation, code-named "Edelweiss" planned on German troops invading and occupying the Caucasus and Transcaucasion region. Soviet troops being outnumbered in men, tanks and cannons, defended the area so furiously, it stopped the German advance. It is made of brass. Approximately 870,000 were issued.
Variation 1 R1
	On a separately soldered ring. full obverse pic detail pic
Variation 2 R1
	Ring is part of the medal. full obverse pic detail pic
	Ring is part of the medal. Made to look similar to type 1. full obverse pic detail pic

Rarity Key

A: Abundant, readily available, often in wholesale quantities.
C: Common, always available. Occasionally in quantity.
R1: Usually available without a long delay. Difficult to find in quantity.
R2: Scarce to rare, less seldom available.
R3: Rare. Difficult to find.
R4: Very rare. Demand outstrips supply, and specimens, when available are often eagerly sought.
R5: Extremely rare and seldom available. Collector may have to search for a few years to locate one.
R6: Of the highest rarity. Very difficult to obtain.
R7: Almost never available. Most collectors will not have a chance to acquire these pieces.
R8: Never been on the market. Almost impossible to obtain.
R*: Not available for collections.

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Look up recorded serial numbers of Soviet and Mongolian orders and medals.