Russian 50th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War medal, original commemorative award issued to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II and the end of the conflict known in Russia and the former Soviet Union as the Great Patriotic War.
Instituted by the Russian Federation in 1995, the medal was awarded to surviving veterans of the Great Patriotic War, former military personnel, partisans, resistance fighters, and certain civilians who contributed to the Soviet war effort. Similar commemorative awards were also issued across several successor states of the former Soviet Union to honour those who served during the conflict.
Awards of this type were presented to millions of eligible recipients and formed part of a long tradition of Soviet and Russian commemorative decorations marking major wartime anniversaries. While not a gallantry award, the medal serves as an important symbol of recognition for wartime service and sacrifice.
Examples accompanied by original ribbons, award documents, or presentation cases are particularly attractive to collectors of Soviet and Russian militaria. The medal remains a tangible reminder of one of the most significant events in twentieth-century history and the immense human cost of the war on the Eastern Front.
Manufactured in gilt metal and suspended from its original ribbon, this example represents an interesting and historically significant piece of Russian commemorative military history.
Condition
Good overall original condition, with clear detailing and light age-related wear. Minor surface marks, handling wear, and signs of storage may be present. The original ribbon remains intact and may show light fading consistent with age.
