Brass, enamels; medallion measures 37.0 mm in height incl. eyelet, 32.0 mm in width. The obverse shows the USSR and Afghan national flags. The reverse has the writing "From the Grateful Afghan People" in Russian and Dari. Unlike the far more common version of the medal, the suspension has a pin attachment rather than the screw.

In excellent condition. The enamel is perfect. The gilt finish is perfectly preserved and bright, having only a couple of tiny spots and no significant tarnish. The old, clearly original ribbon is well-preserved and sound.

The medal was instit

Brass, enamels; medallion measures 37.0 mm in height incl. eyelet, 32.0 mm in width. The obverse shows the USSR and Afghan national flags. The reverse has the writing "From the Grateful Afghan People" in Russian and Dari. Unlike the far more common version of the medal, the suspension has a pin attachment rather than the screw.

In excellent condition. The enamel is perfect. The gilt finish is perfectly preserved and bright, having only a couple of tiny spots and no significant tarnish. The old, clearly original ribbon is well-preserved and sound.

The medal was instituted by the Communist government of Afghanistan and produced at the Soviet mint. It was issued to all Soviet servicemen upon completion of their tour of duty in Afghanistan. Although we could find no documentary proof of it, its pinback variation is believed to be the earliest variation of the award among many Russian collectors. It is undoubtedly far more scarce than the screw back version: in our experience, the difference in availability between the two is at least 1:20.

For other awards issued by Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation, please visit our category "Orders and Medals of Communist Afghanistan" (under "Communist Countries").
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