A Continuing Thread ~ Post Your Tokens, Medals, Exonumia Acquisitions

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I've been imagining the production of "sawn planchets" would have required some pretty sophisticated equipment

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The circular emblem on the obverse of the medal (the side with the date "18.06.1993" and the inscription about the foundation laying) depicts a mythological scene inspired by Russian folklore, specifically a variant of the legendary figure known as the Kikimora or a water spirit rider. Here's a breakdown based on the design elements:

Central Figure: A heroic, dynamic female figure (possibly personifying Progress or the Spirit of the North) stands triumphantly, holding a torch aloft in her right hand. She wears flowing robes and appears to be in motion, symbolizing enlightenment, advancement, and the harnessing of energy—fitting for a power plant groundbreaking.

Surrounding Elements: She rides a chariot or sleigh pulled by four rearing horses (or sea horses/mermaids in a stylized aquatic form, blending land and water motifs). The horses are depicted in mid-leap, with arched necks and dynamic poses, evoking power and speed. Below the chariot, there are waves or flowing water (represented by curved lines), suggesting the "water-gas" theme of the IPGN (combined-cycle) technology, where steam and gas cycles mimic natural flows. The entire composition is framed against a radiating sun or energy burst at the base, tying into themes of light, heat, and industrial dawn.

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This design draws from Russian/Slavic mythology:
The three-horse chariot echoes ancient Slavic depictions of the goddess Mara or Morana (goddess of winter and rebirth), who was sometimes shown riding waves on a sleigh drawn by three horses. In folklore, this motif appears in tales of water spirits guiding forces of nature.It may also reference the Kikimora, a mischievous swamp spirit in Russian lore, reimagined here as a benevolent force taming chaotic elements (waves, horses) to represent controlled energy production.
The torch bearer evokes Prometheus (fire-bringer) but localized to Russian symbolism, similar to emblems on Soviet-era energy medals where mythology celebrated industrialization.

This custom emblem was likely commissioned for the 1993 ceremony to blend national pride with the project's innovative tech, distinguishing it from standard state awards. It's not a direct copy of official Soviet/Russian orders (e.g., no hammer-sickle or double-headed eagle) but a bespoke artistic element for RAO EES Russia and regional pride in Penza. Comparable designs appear in late-Soviet table medals for energy milestones, often using folklore to humanize technical achievements.

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The reverse features a reissue of a historical design featuring "The Angel of Victory" with her left arm raised in a gesture of triumph or benediction while grasping a large Orthodox cross in her right hand. The angel symbolizes divine protection, faith, and Russian resilence. "The [reverse of the] medallion-- struck at the Leningrad Mint -- is a 1994 reissue of a historical design, engraved by Roman Kharitonov."