In copper ("dark bronze"); measures 39.7 mm in height x 34.3 mm in width; weighs 13.4 g. The artwork on the obverse features all the design elements that would become standard on later generations of Soviet decorations, such as the sheath of wheat, hammer & sickle emblem, and factory smokestacks. The word in raised lettering near the bottom is "Moscow". The raised inscription on the reverse reads "In Memory of the First Agricultural and Cottage Industry Fair, USSR, 1923".

In excellent condition. There is no significant wear of any kind; the lettering and artwork are perfect and crisp. Very attractive dark patina throughout, no pitting or blemishes.

This very interesting and rare piece was issued while Lenin was still alive, during his temporary NEP ("New Economic Policy") thaw that followed the "wartime communism" of the Civil War period and allowed limited private entrepreneurship. The fair attracted many farm producers from all around the Soviet Union. Some of them were highly praised in the Soviet press, made celebrities, and even awarded monetary rewards for winning top marks in a category. Later, when the policy tightened and private farms and industries were eradicated, these same producers would be denounced as kulaks and sent to Siberian labor camps to die of hunger and exposure. The agricultural fairs in Moscow would persist however, becoming recurrent events showcasing the achievements - real or imaginary - of collective agriculture. Years later, the exhibits received lavishly decorated fairgrounds, became known as VSKhV (All-Union Agricultural Exhibition), and eventually evolved into the famous permanent VDNKh Exhibition.

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