Alexander III. For Zeal.
Gold award medal. Signed by A. Griliches. Integrated loop. 51 mm. 71,9 gr. R4. A.XF. Barac 441; Diakov 896.4; Werlich 84-85.

Obverse with a right-facing bust of Alexander III with the inscription Б . М . АЛЕКСАНДРЪ III ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖ. ВСЕРОСС. (By the grace of God Alexander Alexander III Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia). Below the bust, the signature A. Г. of the engraver Avenir Griliches (1849-1905) who worked at the Mint in St. Petersburg.
Reverse with the inscription ЗА УСЕРДIЕ (for zeal) within smooth and cable-shaped concentric circles. Note the ‘I’ instead of the ‘Ї’.

This medal was originally instituted in 1801. The medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the Army and Navy for exemplary conduct over an extended period of years. It was also awarded to merchants, farmers, and peasants for state service.

Lit: Barac4, 1478; Diakov6, 19-21; Werlich, 45-47.