Prices for Soviet Phaleristics at an Auction in Germany (January 2023)

Orders of 'Mother Heroine' and the October Revolution

Various Soviet awards were presented at an auction in Berlin held by the Carsten Zeige auction house. One of the first lots was the 'Mother Heroine' order, whose original gold star attracted the attention of collectors.

In addition to maternity awards, Orders of the October Revolution, which are significant items in Soviet phaleristics, were also up for auction. It is important to note that a 25% auction fee and shipping costs must be added to the final hammer price.

Order of the Friendship of Peoples and the Order of the Red Banner of Battle

The auction also featured Orders of the Friendship of Peoples and several varieties of the Order of the Red Banner of Battle. The prices for these awards varied depending on the number, model, and condition.

The first model screw-back Order of the Red Banner of Battle attracted particular interest, reaching a high price of 1200 euros. The re-award specimen also achieved a good result.

Order of Alexander Nevsky

Three screw-back second model Orders of Alexander Nevsky were sold at the auction. These awards, being some of the most beautiful Soviet military commander orders, showed a significant price range, likely due to their condition and numbers.

The results of the bidding on these lots demonstrate a high demand for rare and well-preserved examples of USSR military awards.

Order of the Patriotic War

The auction featured several lots with Orders of the Patriotic War of various types and classes. These awards enjoy enduring popularity among collectors.

Both individual items and group lots were of interest, allowing bidders to acquire several awards at once.

• A lot of two Type 1 orders (1st and 2nd class) with numbers 1112 (number questionable) and 11502 was sold for 1200 euros.
• A Type 2, 1st class order with number 320119 went for 600 euros. It was noted that this price is close to the value of the gold in the order itself.
• A convolute of nine Type 2, 2nd class orders was sold for 1000 euros.

Order 'For Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces of the USSR'

The Orders 'For Service to the Homeland in the Armed Forces of the USSR,' known in collector circles as the 'Crab,' attracted special attention at the auction. All three classes of this award were presented, with two of them being converted from a lower class to a higher one.

Despite some orders being altered (e.g., the star being gilded to imitate a higher class), they reached high prices, indicating interest in this award.

Medals and Group Lots

The auction also included various medals and group lots (convolutes). Among them, a lot of three 'For Courage' medals stood out. One of the medals was a rare 1938 screw-back type with the number 8398. The entire lot was sold for 500 euros.

Other group lots also found buyers, demonstrating general price trends for Soviet awards.

• A convolute of medals and orders, including the Order of Glory, the Order of the Red Star, and the Order of the Patriotic War, was sold for 220 euros.
• Two medals 'For Distinction in Military Service,' 1st and 2nd class, went for 140 euros.
• A lot of eight orders, including the Order of Glory 3rd class, the Orders of the Red Banner of Battle and the Red Banner of Labour, and the 'Badge of Honor,' was sold for 750 euros.
• A set of seven breast badges, including a rhombus for graduating from the MVD Higher School, went for 480 euros.
• A lot with 'For Military Merit' and 'For Courage' medals and their accompanying award documents was sold for 320 euros.