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Soviet-era historical-themed souvenir badge depicting a “Bukvitsa” - $12 (Aurora)
condition:
excellent
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What the badge shows
The text reads:
“Буквица XVI в. Рязань”
which translates to:
“Illuminated Initial (Bukvitsa), 16th Century, Ryazan.”
The artwork shows two stylized figures in traditional medieval Russian clothing holding an open manuscript.
The red box with the letter inside imitates an ornamental initial letter found in old Slavic manuscripts.
Purpose
Badges like this were produced across the USSR as part of series celebrating:
Old Russian art
Medieval manuscripts
Iconography
Historical towns (like Ryazan)
These were mostly sold in museums and cultural centers as souvenirs, not awards.
Era
Likely 1970s–1980s, when many such historical-artistic pin series were popular.