Eastern Front Medal Value Guide

The Eastern Front Medal, officially titled 'Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42', was instituted in May 1942 to honor those who endured the brutal Russian winter. Known colloquially by soldiers as the 'Frozen Meat Medal,' it remains a poignant symbol of the extreme hardships and frostbite faced by over 3 million recipients.

What affects the value of Eastern Front Medal?

• Condition of the zinc finish, as these medals are prone to 'zinc pest' or oxidation which can dull the silver and gunmetal plating.
• Presence of the original presentation envelope or award document, which significantly increases collector interest.
• The specific manufacturer code found on the ring, as some makers are rarer than others.
• The length and condition of the original red, white, and black ribbon.

How to Identify Eastern Front Medal?

• Look for the distinct concave or 'dish' shape on the reverse side of the zinc medal.
• Verify the presence of the manufacturer's mark, which is typically stamped into the ring of the medal.
• Check for the specific ribbon color scheme: a wide red center flanked by thin white and black stripes representing blood, snow, and mourning.
• Examine the high-relief detail of the eagle clutching a swastika over a crossed grenade and sword on the obverse.

History of Eastern Front Medal

The Eastern Front Medal, officially known as 'Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42' was instituted on May 26, 1942, by Adolf Hitler. It was a recognition for the extreme hardships faced by German and Axis personnel during the harsh Russian winter of 1941-1942. The conditions were brutal, with many soldiers succumbing to frostbite and disease. The medal was colloquially known as the 'Frozen Meat Medal' due to the severe conditions it represented. It was awarded until the end of the war, and over 3 million were issued.