History

The Nakhimov Medal was established on March 3, 1944. This medal was conferred in recognition of excellence in defending the Soviet territory, and in completing a Navy combat mission. It was largely awarded to enlisted sailors, but was also awarded to soldiers, petty officers and non-commissioned officers, chief petty and warrant officers of the Navy during the Great Patriotic War.This medal was awarded 13,000 times before 1991.

The Nakhimov Medal is made of brass and is worn on a five sided suspension. It is made from two pieces, and the serial number is stamped on the rim at the 6 o'clock position. It has two variations.

Variation I has a hand engraved serial number. The serial numbers range from 1 to 1,400.

Variation II has a stamped serial number. The serial numbers range from 2,000 to 14,000.

The obverse Russian inscription translates to: "Admiral Nakhimov".

The Nakhimov medal is often faked. Be on the lookout for fakes that lack detail and are 3mm thick instead of 2.5mm.