Russia, Soviet Union. An Order Of Friendship Of Peoples

(oрден Дружбы народов). Instituted in 1972. Four-piece construction, in silver gilt with red, white, green and light blue enamels, maker marked "МОНЕТНЫЙ ДВОР" (Monetny Dvor) and number engraved "12963" on the reverse, measuring 47 mm (w) x 51 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, light contact marks evident on the reverse, original ribbon, mounted to a five-sided aluminum suspension with pinback, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Friendship of Peoples was an order of the Soviet Union, and was awarded to persons (including non-citizens), organizations, enterprises, military units, as well as administrative subdivisions of the USSR for accomplishments in strengthening of inter-ethnic and international friendship and cooperation, for economical, political, scientific, military, and cultural development of the Soviet Union. It was established on December 17, 1972, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the Soviet Union. The design of order was created by Alexander Zhuk. The status of Order was slightly amended by the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union in July 1980. It was abolished in December 1991. In the Russian Federation, it was replaced by the Order of Friendship, also designed by Alexander Zhuk.