Brass, "cold" enamels. 35.7 x 27.6 mm; weighs 13.5 g without the screw plate. Features a solid flat back construction. The inscription along the edge is "To a Participant of the Antarctic Expedition, Russia". Note the extremely low serial number.

In excellent condition. The enamel is perfect. The screw post is full-length, nearly 8 mm measured from the flat surface of the reverse. Comes with the original screw plate showing the logo of the Leningrad Mint (before it was renamed St. Petersburg Mint.)

This very interesting and well-made piece is nearly identical to its Soviet prototype, but has the inscription "Russia" instead of the "Soviet" and an added flag of Russian Federation. The numbering of the arctic expedition badges started anew after the breakup of the Soviet Union; based on its construction, screw plate, and especially the serial number, this piece is among the first issued after the introduction of the Russian Federation version.