Russian SVR Foreign Intelligence Service 90th Anniversary Table Medal with Award Case – Saint Petersburg Mint, Rare Official Issue

Description

Original Item – Only One Available. This is an official presentation table medal issued to mark the 90th anniversary of Russia's foreign intelligence service, tracing the unbroken lineage from the INO, the original foreign intelligence department created in 1920 under the Cheka), through the PGU (First Chief Directorate of the KGB), to the modern-day SVR. The obverse carries the full SVR emblem, a crowned double-headed eagle in raised gilt relief with crossed swords behind a blue enamel globe-and-star shield at its center. The inscription reads Fatherland, Valor, Honor, the official motto of the SVR, in gold lettering around the upper edge, with "90 years" on a red enamel banner and "INO–PGU–SVR" in gold across the lower field. The reverse is plain with a maker's stamp from the Saint Petersburg Mint, confirming this as a genuine state mint production and not a private or commercial issue.

Medals of this type were produced in strictly limited numbers and were not sold to the public. They were presented internally to senior officers, distinguished employees, and honored veterans of the SVR as part of the official anniversary observances in 2010. The quality of production is outstanding, the gilt work on the eagle is sharp and layered with visible depth, the blue and red enamel is cleanly applied without any bleeding or imperfection, and the overall weight and feel of the medal confirm serious mint-grade craftsmanship.

The medal comes complete with its original red velvet-lined presentation case, which is in clean condition. The medal itself is in perfect condition. SVR presentation items are among the most tightly controlled and difficult to obtain of all Russian intelligence service collectibles, and finding one complete with its original case and in this condition is a rare opportunity. This piece will be of strong interest to collectors of Russian intelligence and security service memorabilia, Cold War espionage history, post-Soviet military awards, and state mint productions. A serious addition to any advanced collection.