Soviet Medals

Medal for Restoration of the Donbass Coal Mines
Established 10 September 1947. Awarded to workers, technicians, and engineers for outstanding performance of duties; high production; and meritorious service in reconstructing the Donbass coal mines. During the Great Patriotic War, Donbass - the heart of the USSR's coal-mining industry - was occupied by German troops and almost completely destroyed. This restoration was done mainly by German POWs. The medal was awarded only to the Russian supervisors and machine operators. Rebuilt were 129 main pits; 889 smaller pits; 300 mine head-frames were rebuilt and newly constructed; and 700 lifting machines were put into operation. It is made of brass. Approximately 46,000 were issued.
Type 1 R3
	No further information available. full obverse pic detail pic

Medal for Restoration of the Black Metallurgical Enterprises
Established 18 May 1948. Also known as the medal for "Reconstruction of Ferrous Metallurgical Enterprises in the South". Awarded to workers, technicians, and engineers for outstanding performance of duties; high production; and meritorious service in reconstructing the ferrous metallurgy plants in the Southern USSR. During the Great Patriotic War, the Southern Regions of the USSR - the heart of the USSR's ferrous metallurgy - were occupied by German troops and most heavy industry plants were completely destroyed. Rebuilt were 13 blast furnaces; 49 open-hearth furnaces; 29 finishing mills; and 68 coke-oven batteries. It is made of brass. Approximately 69,000 were issued.
Type 1 R3
	No further information available. 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.