Medallion is in solid 23 K gold; measures 29.6 mm in height incl. eyelet, 26.1 mm wide; weighs 14.7 g not including the suspension and connecting link; overall weight of the medal with suspension and screw plate is 22.9 g. The suspension device is in gold-plated silver. Stamped serial number to the reverse. This is a relatively late issue of the State Prize 1st cl., featuring more yellow tint to gold (as opposed to the reddish tint of some of the early specimens.)

Very fine to excellent condition. The obverse of the medallion is literally pristine, free of any noticeable we

Medallion is in solid 23 K gold; measures 29.6 mm in height incl. eyelet, 26.1 mm wide; weighs 14.7 g not including the suspension and connecting link; overall weight of the medal with suspension and screw plate is 22.9 g. The suspension device is in gold-plated silver. Stamped serial number to the reverse. This is a relatively late issue of the State Prize 1st cl., featuring more yellow tint to gold (as opposed to the reddish tint of some of the early specimens.)

Very fine to excellent condition. The obverse of the medallion is literally pristine, free of any noticeable wear. On the reverse, there are a few minuscule contact marks near the edge that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The stippling on the background is perfect on both sides, and so are the raised details. On the edge at approximately 2 o'clock position (when viewed from the obverse), there is a shallow gouge, apparently from testing for gold content; it is visible only when viewed from the side and only at very close inspection.

The medal comes with its original gold-plated suspension device, complete with the back plate, hexagon nut and screw nut. The suspension shows a nice patina, while the fire gilt finish is still clearly visible. The old, obviously original ribbon is immaculately clean. The connecting link likewise appears to be original, and its ends are still joined with solder in a seamless manner characteristic of the Soviet Mint manufacture. Overall, a very attractive example of the State Prize 1st cl.

The State Prize was established in 1962 during the "de-Stalinization" process. Initially, it was a medal intended as a replacement for all surviving recipients of the earlier Stalin Prizes. From that point forward, these individuals were always referred to in Soviet sources as State Prize laureates, even though they had received the award before the State Prize came into existence. The replacement medals in three classes corresponding with the class of the original Stalin Prize were being issued until 1966.

Starting from 1967, only one class was issued, often awarded to several key members of the team that worked on a prize-winning project. Each of the laureates would receive an equal share of the monetary reward accompanied by a single-class State Prize Medal in gold.

/See Avers 8, p. 221, fig. 1086.a/.
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