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Soviet Flag: 1:2 ratio
November 13, 1923- August 15, 1980 Soviet Flag: 1:2 ratio
August 15, 1980- December 3, 1991 The first official flag of the Soviet Union was adopted in July of 1923. It was of a 4 to 1 ratio in proportion and consisted of a red flag with the state coat of arms in the center. This flag was the official flag for four months, and was replaced as the official flag by the more familiar "hammer and sickle" design on November 13, 1923.

The flag of the Soviet Union consisted of a plain red flag, with a hammer crossed with a sickle and a red star in the upper hoist. The hammer symbolized the nation's industrial workers, while the sickle symbolized the nation's agricultural workers. The red star represented the rule of the Communist Party.

A modification to the flag was adopted on August 15, 1980 making it solid red on the reverse side with no hammer, sickle or other decoration. In addition the color was brightened at that time.

With disintegration of USSR on December 3, 1991, the flag ceased to be a national flag.