The appearance of medals in Russia is associated with the development of coinage: the manufacturing technologies of these items are similar. At the end of the 17th — beginning of the 18th century, small coins minted on flattened pieces of silver wire were in wide circulation in the country. A horseman (a Knyaz) with a spear was depicted on them — that is why they were called copecks (kopeika — derived from the Russian word for a spear ‘kopyo’). The large round coin was decorated on both sides — obverse and reverse, as well as the on the side edge (sometimes called the third side).

Alekseev’s medals had a low relief. On one side, there was a portrait of the young tsar, and on the reverse — a fragment of an engraved inscription. Later appeared the medals for military achievements during wars or other operations, and then — awards for the civilian population.

The medal ‘For Diligence’ was established by Emperor Alexander I in 1801. It was awarded to civilians who rendered a significant service to the government. The award was also given to noblemen who had spent many years serving at a church, but those were without the pinhole (not for wearing). One of the recipients of the medal ‘For Diligence’ was a Tomsk merchant Vladimir Gorokhov. He built a school, a hospital, a vocational school, and a wellness recreation center for children in Siberia. The merchant also advanced steam navigation systems, patronized artists and students and issued newspapers.

The design changed with each new emperor or empress. The award displayed at the exhibition was issued under the rule of Nicholas II. This is one of the variants of the medal. On the obverse — a portrait of the monarch in profile. The circular inscription consisted of two parts: to the left, one could distinguish the marking ‘B.M., ’ that is, ‘bright metal’ (white metal in Russian), medals made out of yellow metal were also awarded. Below the marking, the words ‘Emperor Nicholas II’ were engraved, and to the right — ‘and the Autocrat of All the Russias’. On the reverse side, one could see laurel, oak, and palm branches tied with a ribbon, and in the center — the inscription ‘For diligence’.