Dave Lange purchased one of the new Zelensky medals and has these comments. -Editor

"I imagine most readers of The E-Sylum have seen the announcement of a medal honoring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, profits from the sale of which will go to the relief of Ukranians who have been displaced or are still in that besieged country. Though I have no direct connection to that country or its people I was eager to do something to assist in their plight, The combination of charity and numismatics was more than I could resist, so I ordered the medal. I'm attaching my photos of both sides for the benefit of readers, since the illustration in the press release does not indicate its actual color.

"The 3-1/2" medal features an accurate, high relief portrait of Zelensky on one side and his mission statement on the other. It is a very dark shade of brown that is nearly black. My photos have actually been lightened a bit to show the medal more easily. It comes with the plastic display easel shown, as well as a black, velvet-like pouch that is not shown. There is also a small data card with a biography of Zelensky on one side and facts about the medal on the other side. The stated mintage is 199 pieces, and the designer is Jim Licaretz.

"When I removed the medal from its pouch I was surprised at how light it is. Though the composition is described as "bonded bronze," that seems to be some kind of plastic or composite material painted bronze. This is the only disappointing feature of the medal, though I suppose it was necessary to keep the cost within reason and have something left over for the Ukranians after expenses were paid."