In bronze-colored nonferrous metal, 35 mm wide. The medallion shows Type 3 design, introduced in 1956 and featuring a 1950s border guard with binoculars standing next to an East German border marker. The issue case has black plastic bottom lined with light foam rubber inside, the lid is in Plexiglas.

In excellent condition, showing only mild pitting to the rim and reverse. The ribbon on the suspension and ribbon bar is immaculately clean; both pin attachments are clean and fully functional. The lid of the case is slightly scuffed, not very obviously and not obscuring the medal inside.

The medal (original name "Medaille für vorbildlichen Grenzdienst der Grenztruppen der DDR") was established on 28 May 1954 in a single class, awarded to border guards troops, members of the Stasi, and civilians for exemplary performance and personal commitment in securing the state border of the German Democratic Republic.