Silver medal in memory of the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-78

Silver, stamping. Weight 12.8 g. Diameter 26 mm. Good condition. On the obverse side of the medal in the center there is an Orthodox cross surrounded by radiance, which is located above the prostrate crescent, together with which the cross forms a single composition. Along the rim on both sides of the date: "1877." and "1878.". The design of the front side is close to that of the medal "For the Turkish War" of 1830. On the reverse side of the medal there is a horizontal inscription in four lines: NOT TO US, NOT TO US, BUT TO YOUR NAME. The inscription on the bottom and sides is framed by two laurel branches tied with a ribbon. For the period from 1878 to 1883 on 83,374 silver medals were minted at the St. Petersburg Mint. Guarantee of authenticity. 

Russian Russian Empire Medal "In Memory of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878" is a state award of the Russian Empire for awarding persons related to the Russo—Turkish War (1877-1878).

The medal was established by decree of Emperor Alexander II on April 17 (29), 1878 and had three different versions — silver, light and dark bronze. The drawing of the medals was approved by Alexander II on September 14 (26), 1878. Different versions of the medal were awarded to different categories of awardees. The awarding of medals was entrusted to the leadership of the Caucasian Military District (for troops operating in the Asian part of the Ottoman Empire), the leadership of corps (for troops operating in the European part of the Ottoman Empire and in the protection of the Black Sea coast) and the Maritime Ministry (for sailors).

The silver medal was awarded to: all persons who participated in the defense of the Shipka Pass or temporarily stayed there on duty; all persons who defended Bayazet during the blockade. From February 19 (March 3), 1881, silver medals were also awarded to participants in the siege of Kars, while previously issued light bronze medals were supposed to be replaced.