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As if to underscore the gravity of the situation and add another layer of intrigue, the Nobel Peace Center itself, distinct from the Committee but equally authoritative in its symbolic role, chose to weigh in directly on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the White House exchange. Their post was a masterclass in subtle but firm clarification, beginning not with words, but with a vivid description of the physical medal itself: “The medal measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams and is struck in gold. On its face, a portrait of Alfred Nobel and on its reverse, three naked men holding around each other’s shoulders as a sign of brotherhood. A design unchanged for 120 years.” This seemingly innocuous detail served as a potent reminder of the award’s profound history and intrinsic value. The Center then acknowledged instances where the physical medal has been “passed on” after its initial presentation, citing the notable example of Dmitry Muratov’s medal, which fetched over $100 million at auction to aid Ukrainian war refugees. This acknowledgment, however, was a prelude, setting up an even more crucial distinction that would definitively shape the ongoing narrative. What could this mean for the controversial “gift” now proudly displayed?
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