Gilded brass, enamels, 3-piece construction; measures 46.3 x 26.4 mm. Raised logo of the Leningrad Mint to the reverse. Extremely well made, with fine enamel and nicely sculpted details. Pin-back construction, unlike most other Soviet graduation badges.

Very fine to excellent condition. There are a couple of tiny hairlines to the white enamel near the upper tip, not very noticeable or detractive. The enamel is perfect otherwise and shows beautiful luster throughout. The gilt finish on the palm fronds and state emblem is nice and bright.

The Institute was an elite establishment whose graduates went on to occupy coveted positions in the Soviet Diplomatic Corps. Some were privileged children of top Soviet bureaucrats, but many were undercover KGB and GRU officers slated for service abroad. Therefore, this badge may be legitimately considered one of the few true badges of the Soviet espionage services.