Soviet Medals

Medal for the Victory over Japan
Established 30 September 1945. Awarded to servicemen and employed civilians of the Soviet Army, Navy and Ministry of Internal Affairs troops (MVD) who participated in battles against Japanese forces during the period of 8-23 August 1945, while in the ranks of the 1st and 2nd Far East Transbaikal fronts, Pacific Ocean Navy, or Amur River Flotilla. After fascist Germany's defeat, its military ally Japan continued the war with Great Britain and the U.S. Large concentrations of Japanese forces threatened the Far East territories of the USSR. In accordance with the Yalta Agreement of 8 August 1945, the USSR entered into war with Japan. After 22 days of war, Japan surrendered. This signaled the end of WWII, on 2 September 1945. For outstanding heroism in battles against Japan, 87 servicemen received the Hero of the Soviet Union title, 6 receiving the Gold Star medal for the second time. It is made of Brass. Approximately 1,831,000 were issued.
Variation 1 R1
	On a separately soldered ring. full obverse pic detail pic
Variation 2 R1
	"U" shaped ring is part of medal. Usually has grind marks where ring was filed down. full obverse pic detail pic
Variation 3 R1
	Ring is part of the medal. Ring is manufactured to appear similar to Variation 1. detail pic

Medal for Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War
Established 6 June 1945. A massive labor force was crucial to the defeat of fascist Germany. This medal was awarded to all workers who served in the Soviet industrial sector for at least one year during June 1941 until May 1945. Special circumstances allowed for a 6 month term, such as disabled veterans who returned to work, workers who graduated from professional schools, and retired workers who returned to work. It is made of Copper. Approximately 16,100,000 were issued.
Type 1 R1
	No further information. full obverse pic detail pic Detail of variation, on a separately soldered gold-plated ring. 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.