Soviet Medals

Medals for Distinguished Military Service
Established 28 October 1974. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs Troops (MVD) and Border Guard troops for excellence in military and political training, for special military merits during maneuvers or combat service. Awarded in two classes 1st and 2nd. Regulations do not determine which was to be awarded first. This award was instituted simultaneously with the order For Service to the Motherland in the USSR Armed Forces. 1st class is made of Brass, and approximately 20,000 were issued. 2nd class is made of German Silver, and approximately 120,000 were issued.
1st Class R2
	Screw-back. full obverse pic detail pic
1st Class Variation 1 R?
	Early Pin-Back. full obverse pic detail pic
2nd Class R2
	No further information. full obverse pic detail pic

Medal for Armed Forces Veteran of the USSR
Established 20 May 1976. Awarded to all servicemen of the Soviet Army, Navy, Ministry of Internal Affairs Troops (MVD) and Border Guard troops for a minimum of 25 years impeccable service. Those who served in particularly hazardous environments ( harsh climates, submariners and pilots ) enjoyed the privilege of having 1 year of service added for every calendar year in service did not receive this award because the 25 calendar year requirement wasn't met. It is made of a Zinc and Copper alloy (white metal) and silverplated. Approximately 880,000 were issued.
Variation 1 C
	Patinated white metal. full obverse pic detail pic
Variation 2 R4
	Gold plated. full obverse pic detail pic
Variation 3 ??
WANTED	Silver plated white metal.

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.