Medal "For the conquest of the Western Caucasus"

Silver, stamping. The original medal is in good condition. The diameter is 28 mm. On the front side there is a chest portrait of Alexander II. Under the shoulder edge is the medallist's signature — "N. KOZIN R." (Nikolai Kozin cut). On the reverse side, along the edge in a circle, there is an inscription: "FOR THE SUBMISSION OF the WESTERN CAUCASUS." At the bottom, between the beginning and the end of the inscription, there is a small four-petalled rosette. In the center, the years of military operations after the conquest of Circassia are indicated horizontally in one line: "1859-1864".

The medal "For the Conquest of the Western Caucasus" was intended to be awarded to persons who were related to the completion of the conquest of Circassia. It was established on July 12 (24), 1864, by decree of Emperor Alexander II, given to the Minister of War D. A. Milyutin. Simultaneously with the medal, the cross "For Service in the Caucasus" was established. The following persons were awarded the medal:

• All ranks of the army, including generals, officers, lower ranks, both combatant and non-combatant, who participated in hostilities in the Western Caucasus from 1859 to 1864;


• Local militia troops, various volunteers who participated in the battles;


• Officials, priests and doctors who were with the troops during the period of hostilities and performed their duties during combat expeditions;


• Since November 2 (14), 1864, employees of the naval department who took part in battles and amphibious operations were also awarded.

In total, more than 211,000 medals were minted at the St. Petersburg Mint in the period from 1864 to 1867. There are also a number of options for a private work medal. They may differ significantly from the medals issued at the mint in the details of the image and size. There are known variants made not only in silver, but also in light and dark bronze with subsequent silvering. Dress versions of the medal are also known.