Soviet Labour Medal Appraisal

Soviet Medal for Veteran of Labour

This is a Soviet civilian award, the Medal for Veteran of Labour (VETERAN TRUDA), established in 1974. The medal is circular, approximately 34mm in diameter, and struck in tombac (bronze alloy) with a silver-plated, matte oxidized finish. The obverse features the iconic hammer and sickle symbol set against a sunburst background, with the Cyrillic text 'CCCP' (USSR) layered on the sickle. Below this, a laurel branch sits above a ribbon bearing the embossed inscription 'ВЕТЕРАН ТРУДА' (Veteran of Labour). The reverse is typically plain with a matte finish. The medal is suspended from a standard Soviet pentagonal mount covered in a silk moiré ribbon: light grey with one wide dark red stripe on the left edge and three narrow red stripes on the right edge. The condition appears well-preserved with a uniform dark patina characteristic of oxidation on the metal surface. There are minor signs of wear on the relief highlights and some light fraying or soiling on the fabric ribbon. These medals were widely awarded for long-term diligent service in national economy, science, culture, and government, representing late-period Soviet industrial and state craftsmanship.