Order of the Red Banner of the USSR, Type III (Variation I, 3rd award)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.SRU.0114.101.01.002

Estimated market value:

$2,500 USD

  • Order of the Red Banner of the USSR, Type III (Variation I, 3rd award)

Estimated market value:

$2,500 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    U.S.S.R.
  • Makers
    Krasnokamsk Mint
  • Composition
    Gold/Enamelled/Silver
  • Inscription
    Obv: Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь ! CCCP 3
  • Size
    38x42mm
  • Version Remarks
    The serial numbers range from 1,183 to 5,921. It is not known which variation the number 3 medals fall under.

Physical Description and Item Details


Order of the Red Banner 3rd Award. Type 4. Award # 1272. Krasnokamsk Mint, 1944 issue. Original silver connecting ring uncut. Str 4.1.1.

History


This is the oldest Order of the Soviet Union. Existing first as an Order of the Russian Federation (established on September 16, 1918), it was converted into an Order of the USSR on August 1, 1924. The statute was not established until January 11, 1932. It was discontinued in 1991.

It was conferred for self-sacrifice, courage, and bravery in defending Russia. It was awarded to Army, Navy, Border Guard, and Internal Security personnel, as well as KGB employees and military ships. It may also be bestowed upon foreigners. The Order was awarded for especially significant feats in combat with an obvious risk of life; outstanding combat leadership of military units displaying special bravery and courage; special bravery and courage displayed in accomplishing special assignments; special courage and bravery displayed in support of the state of security of the country and impenetrability of the state border of the USSR in situations involving the risk of life; the success of military unites and ships despite stubborn enemy resistance for being victorious over the enemy resistance, for being victorious over the enemy despite heavy losses or unfortunate circumstance; significant achievements in training and also for feats accomplished on duty with a clear risk of life.

The first award was conferred upon Civil War hero V.K Blukher on September 30, 1918. By 1933, the order had been awarded 16,762 times. Over 305,000 Orders of the Red Banner were awarded during the Great Patriotic War. By 1990, over 581,000 decorations had been awarded.

Type III or "Circular, Five-sided Suspension" was introduced on June 19,1943. The Order changed from a screwback suspension to a five-sided suspension, in which an integral small ring was added to the top of the red banner. The serial numbers for this type range from 84,000 to 355,000. Type III dimensions are slightly larger than the other types, measuring from 41 to 42 mm in height to 37 to 38mm in width. Earlier numbered versions are smaller.

Variation I has the Monetny Dvor mint mark struck separately in a straight line just below the center. This variation has light mirroring contours of the obverse on the reverse, and the serial numbers range from 84,787 to 185,002.

Variation II has a Monetny Dvor mint mark which is curved and struck with the die. The reverse is flatter than variation I, and the serial numbers range from 191,234 to 287,959. The highest serial number reported overlaps slightly with Variation III.

Variation III has the same mint mark as Variation I, and the only real difference is the flatter contours of the reverse. This variation follows the serial number range of Variation II, being 287,242 to 333,070.

Variation IV is the first variation to have a stacked mint mark in two lines, meaning 'Dvor' is located below 'Monteny' and is made with one die. The contours of the reverse is quite similar to variation I with deep, hilly contours. The serial numbers range from 336,860 to 354,794.

The Russian inscription translates to: "Proletarians of the World, Unite!"

The Order of the Red Banner is the most faked Soviet decoration. Most fakes are modified five-sided suspension pieces that have been converted to screwback decorations. Original screwposts were soldered with silver solder, however most fakes are soldered with lead solder and present a blackish residue. Ensure the enamel is red and not orange in colour to be authentic. Subsequent awards are heavily faked because of their rarity and value.

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