Soviet Blood Donor Badge, 3rd Class (not authenticated)

This small circular lapel badge is crafted from a base metal with a gilt or brass finish and features applied red and white enamel work. It is held between fingers for scale, appearing to be approximately one inch in diameter. The central design incorporates a shield shape bearing Cyrillic text reading 'ДОНОР СССР' on the left side, alongside a prominent red cross placed above a red crescent moon, and the Roman numeral 'III' on the right side indicating the third class designation. The outer rim is decorated with a textured, fluted ray pattern radiating outward. The item shows light surface wear and minor patination consistent with age and storage, but remains in generally well-preserved condition with intact enamel. There is no visible maker's mark on the front; the identification is based entirely on the visible iconography, Cyrillic lettering, and design style commonly associated with Soviet-era commemorative and award badges issued to blood donors. The piece appears stylistically consistent with mid to late 20th-century Soviet phaleristics, though its precise age, exact year of manufacture, and authenticity remain unverified through physical inspection.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this lapel badge exhibits visual characteristics commonly associated with a Soviet-era Blood Donor Badge, 3rd Class. The item features a base metal construction with gilt finish, red and white enamel work, and Cyrillic text reading 'ДОНОР СССР' alongside a red cross, red crescent, and the Roman numeral 'III'. The textured, fluted ray pattern on the outer rim is also typical of mid-to-late 20th-century Soviet phaleristics. However, I cannot verify from a photo alone whether the materials, construction, and details are period-correct. Physical inspection is required to evaluate weight, metal composition, enamel quality, and reverse hardware. Assuming the hypothetical identification is correct and the piece is a genuine period issue, comparable Soviet-era mass-produced award and commemorative badges of this type generally trade in the $15 to $30 range within current collector markets, driven by steady niche demand for Soviet memorabilia. Because this is an unauthenticated piece, its value depends heavily on physical verification. If the item turns out to be a modern reproduction, replica, or souvenir copy—which are common for this category—its value would likely drop to nominal decorative worth, roughly $5 to $10. To confirm authenticity and determine a definitive value, an in-person examination by a specialist in Soviet phaleristics, a review of manufacturing techniques, and potential hallmark or material testing would be necessary.