SOVIET Russian Medal VETERAN of Labor USSR with the inscription long-term conscientious work

For the production of the Veteran of Labor medal, a copper-zinc alloy (tombak) was chosen. The blanks had a diameter of 34 millimeters and were minted with a one-piece stamped round-type eye. The front side consisted of a number of elements combined into a very interesting composition. Description of the reverse of the medal:

The central part was occupied by the inscription “USSR”, in front of which were the crossed hammer and sickle. In all directions from the inscription, stylized rays radiated in the form of straight lines.
There is a branch of a laurel tree under the inscription.
Below, on a stylized ribbon, there is an inscription “Veteran of Labor” in a semicircle.

In the Soviet Union, the ruling party paid a lot of attention to ideological propaganda. The state was originally created under the slogans of the “dictatorship of the proletariat”. Therefore, the cult of the working class has always been of great importance. They tried to encourage Soviet workers in every possible way by holding various competitions and presenting valuable prizes to the winners.

But it was necessary to somehow celebrate the merits of people who devoted most of their lives to their profession. Of course, in different industries there were departmental awards, but one insignia was missing, which would be common to all citizens of the USSR.

Therefore, on January 18, 1974, the Veteran of Labor medal was established. She became one of the most massive awards in the history of the Soviet Union. The medal played rather a symbolic role, but it was pleasant to receive it anyway. Until 1995, there were not even any benefits for labor veterans, therefore, they perceived the sign only as an element of moral encouragement given out for length of service.