Russian Soviet Motherhood Medal First Class

The Russian Soviet Motherhood Medal First Class was instituted on July 8, 1944, by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. It was awarded to mothers who bore and raised seven children to the age of one year, as a recognition of their contribution to the Soviet state and society. The First Class medal is crafted from silvered metal, with enamel detailing. The obverse features a profile of a mother holding a child, encircled by a laurel branch and the inscription “МЕДАЛЬ МАТЕРИНСТВА” (Motherhood Medal) above, and “I СТЕПЕНЬ” (1st class) at the base. The reverse is plain, bearing only a serial number. The medal is attached to a pentagonal blue and white striped suspension ribbon. This item is of historical interest, reflecting Soviet policies encouraging population growth and recognizing large families during the mid-20th century.