My First New Soviet Medals

[roger9344]

I have received these 'Liberation of Warsaw' and 'Victory over Germany' medals.

My guess is, as these were so inexpensive, that the Warsaw medal is possibly a reproduction, or at best a later issue. The Victory medal is heavier and has a nice document dated 1946.

Any comments would be appreciated.

My computer will not allow me to rearrange the order of the photos, and I apologize for the mixup.

[Bill Garvy]

They both look good to me, Roger. The Liberation of Warsaw Medal appears to be a variation 2. See more here: The Soviet Military Awards Page. Medals, History and Russia!.

[roger9344]

Thank you, Bill. I appreciate your looking at these. Thanks for the link, too.

[Bill Garvy]

You're welcome, Roger. I'm waiting for someone to make a liar out of me. . .

[robin morley]

I would agree both look good. As I have found to my cost it is a very slippery slope after you have bought your first Soviet medals !!!

[Auke]

I second that; both medals seem to be original.

[ph3s]

I'm sorry but I would have a look at the Warsaw one in clear sharp shots one more time. I especially don't like the black substance in letters. The place where most of the defects of casting appear clearly. The second variation of medal has to have a goldish cover as well

[roger9344]

The Warsaw medal does appear to be a casting. It is also lighter in weight than the Victory medal. I am including closeups of both for comparison, but under the scope the difference in quality is noticeable.

Additionally, the Warsaw medal doesn't have that 'gilt' appearance, and does not compare well with the website referenced above.

This is a real learning experience. Thank you all!

[Bill Garvy]

Good eye; I missed those details. If there's one thing I've learned, it's to trust your intuition, Roger.