The medallion is in nickel-plated steel, measures 35.1 mm wide. The original presentation box has black plastic bottom lined with light foam rubber inside, the lid is in Plexiglas.

The medal is in excellent condition, showing just a little tarnish to the reverse. Both pin attachments are fully functional and also perfectly clean. The lid of the box is slightly scuffed, not very obviously and not obscuring the medal inside.

The medal (original name "Ehrenmedaille 30 Jahre National Volksarmee") was instituted in 1986, and was awarded to a select group of people from the NVA and politicians to mark the 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the GDR's military.