Defense of the Soviet Arctic medal opinions

[rt77]

Hi everyone,

What are your initial thoughts on this Defense of the Soviet Arctic medal? I'm leaning towards it being a genuine variation 2 medal but not 100% sure. Sorry I do not have any better photos at the moment.

Thanks!

[Marcel Banziger]

A variation 2 indeed. Suspension seems to be replaced (which is no problem - happened all the time). I like the well worn ribbon

[Bill Garvy]

And the two-piece steel suspension, don't forget that!

[Watchdog]

Yep, a good variation 2 with integral ring and gold wash.
I believe these are less comon than the variation 1 because they were a later issue to entitled personnel who didn't receive the first issue

Regards

Mark

[rt77]

Thanks for the replies guys! I will definitely pick this one up :-)