Russia, Soviet Union. An Order of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, II Class Star, c.1960

(Звезда Ордена Русской Православной Церкви "Ордена святого равноапостольного великого князя Владимира" 2-й степени). Instituted 1957 by Patriarch Alexy I. Constructed of silver with enamels, consisting of a ribbed and pebbled eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse with a central raised depiction of Prince Vladimir (Vladimir the Great) flanked by Cyrillic initials “СВ” and “В” for “СВЯАТОЙ ВЛАДИМИР” (“SAINT VLADIMIR”), within a ring of red enamels with a raised gilt Cyrillic inscription of “ЗА ЦЕРКОВНЫЕ ЗАСЛУГА” (“FOR CHURCH MERIT”), surrounded by a ribbed gilt ring, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round catch with a retractable locking mechanism, the reverse of the pinback with an “84” zolotnik mark for a silver content of 875, measuring 56.66 mm (w) x 57.02 mm (h), weighing 46.7 grams, minor tarnishing evident, in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir was instituted in 1957 by Patriarch Alexy I to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the restoration of the patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is awarded to Orthodox clergy and laypersons for meritorious service to seminaries, theological academies, and the wider Orthodox faith