In bronze, measures 65.8 mm wide. The obverse has a very detailed view of Moscow's central district including the Hotel Ukraina ("Ukraine") in distinct Stalinesque style and the Novo-Arbatskiy Bridge over the Moskva River. Both projects started during the Stalin period - the bridge in particular had been conceived back in the late 30s - but were only completed in 1957, early during the Khrushchev reign. In the lower left at approx. 8 o'clock is the raised name of the author of the artwork "A. Leonova." The reverse shows a view of the Kremlin and its inner palaces. There is also a rhetorical verse from the court poet Demyan Bedny: "Moscow, What is a Word More Song-like, Where is a Place More Dear to Us?"

In excellent condition, completely free of noticeable wear or dings. With the exception of a couple of tiny spots on the reverse, the toning is uniform and attractive. This medal is quite uncommon: there were only 978 pc made at the Moscow Mint, with an additional 38 minted in Leningrad that lacked the patriotic verse by Bedny. It can be a subject of speculation why the medal commemorating the 1957 events was issued with a six-year delay. One may argue that the Khrushchev regime was at that point already teetering on the brink of collapse and grasping for straws in search of any real accomplishments.

/Commemorative [Table] Medal of the Soviet Period, 1919 - 1991, fig. 315a/.

Please note, penny in our photo is for size reference.