This week, Thomson, Roddick and Medcalf will be holding a pair of auctions of numismatic collectibles. Firstly a broad selection of coins along with banknotes and related collectibles will be offered, followed by a variety of medals and militaria the next day.
The auctioneer rarely hits the headlines with its offers, but it often offers some good entry-level collectibles in its sales, (including medals such as a Distinguished Flying Cross) so the catalogues are generally worth a look.
In this case, there's one lot that stands out, which is naturally listed as the expected top lot in the auction: a Russian Order of Lenin.
As we've reported, the Russian medals market has been one of the fastest growing areas of collectibles in recent years with some truly stunning prices. Admittedly most of the top prices have been for genuinely old medals, when the country was still ruled by Tsars, with lavish embellishments.
 Order of Lenin medal |
The Order of Lenin was the highest decoration bestowed by the Soviet Union. It was bestowed relatively frequently which naturally decreases its rarity value, but it is made with gold and platinum and as a conditional rarity it is more covetable.
The example in this instance is of type 6, variation 1. Numbered 285319 on the reverse, it probably dates to the late 1950s or early 1960s. Crucially it is in excellent condition.
For this reason it will make the new owner a strong investment if it sells anywhere near its estimate of £1,500-2,000. Thomson, Roddick and Medcalf's auction take place on Thursday to Friday this week (January 27-28, 2011) in Cumbria, UK
- Click here to view our Medals and Militaria for sale
- Learn how you can get pleasure and profit by investing in Russian gallantry medals
- Read all the latest Medals and Militaria news
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