Ultimately, a medal is only worth what someone is willing to pay but it only takes interest from two passionate collectors, bidding against each other to raise the price significantly. United States Mint All Rights Reserved. Fulfill your obligations. Medals may be sold as commemorative objects surrounding events. Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Metals have different intrinsic values, so a medallion composed of gold is usually worth more than one of tin. Updated: February 13, 2023 Written by Tamila McDonald In this Article A Brief History of Military Medals Personal Military Decorations for Individual Valor The Medal of Honor The Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross and the Air Force Cross The Silver Star Multipurpose Personal Military Decorations Used to Recognize Valor So when you find a U.S. medal, the first thing to do is flip it over and look at the back of the brooch. Medallions dating from the Roman Empire are considered to be extremely rare and valuable. [3][4][5] The military equivalent of the medal for army soldiers is the Distinguished Service Cross.[6]. We will value your collection free of charge. Those Who Protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, Chinese American Veterans of World War II. Youve decided to sell your medals and you want to know how much youll make. This is why having documents or related ephemera can significantly add to a medals value. What is the rarest US military decoration? Many military medals have survived from the Boer War. This page was last edited on 23 November 2020, at 04:05. The 1939-45 star is also a common campaign medal. The Mint offers several medals for purchase on the United States Mint online catalog. Put simply, yes! Sentimental value: Few people who inherit a medal will not sense its sentimental value and, to many, this can be priceless. In 2011, $1.4 million was paid for a gold medallion bearing a portrait of the Roman Emperor Maxentius. In the Soldiers Code, we pledge to treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same. Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. At the top of the medal is inscribed "VALOR". If you decide to sell, Steve will give you an instant cash payment. Army Navy Air Force Of the millions who have served the nation, more than 3,500 men and one woman have received its highest award for valor. secure websites. Insurance value: Based on the replacement costs involved in acquiring a similar medal, this is the highest of all the values. Price. You calculate the insurance value of a medal based on how much you would need to pay to locate a similar one. Our friendly online customer support team will answer your questions seven days a week. For example, a group of medals sold with a photograph of the recipient, a pilots flight log book (which has details of the military action the recipient participated in) or the official certificate of award will undoubtedly be more valuable than a group of medals which lack this documentation. The ribbon is dark blue, 1.25 inches wide with five equal centre stripes of white, red, white, red, and white, each 0.125 inches wide. World War II medals: For service by British & Commonwealth personnel between 1939 and 1945. We often bemoan the fact that Canadian youth know little about our military heritage. The first thing you need to is to find thefineness of the metal. William "Tim" Nix, for his actions on 7 August 2015 defending against an insurgent attack against Camp Integrity, Afghanistan. These may include inscriptions, wear, or material. 1-877-653-9577 8 - 7 CST Mon-Fri Rank & Branch Military Branch. Selling guides War medal values - a guide Selling guides , Tips and tricks War medal values - a guide 29/07/2019 Share article This article covers: How to value medals Factors influencing military medal values Value of medals from World War 1 Value of medals from World War 2 Value of Boer War medals War medal valuations In addition, military members can earn medals for acts of non-combat heroism, campaign, expeditionary, and service. Lock MEDAL OF HONOR. [1], The medal was created in late 2001. Including bars: 25,101 awards of DCM and 121,566 of MM. Bronze Presidential Medals. comments powered by The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute. The split brooch was an open loop of metal with the pinback attachment device soldered to the open edges. Watch the video below to learn how the Mint makes Congressional Gold Medals. The slot brooch is a hallmark of World War II-era medals. To find out more about the history of a medal you own, the following sources are all useful points of reference: To take advantage of a free medals valuation from one of our resident experts, please send us an email or call 01926 499031 to arrange a personal appointment. It takes less than 5 minutes to submit an item. You can get its percentage purity by dividing any of these numbers by 24. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. When legislation permits, the Mint strikes bronze duplicates for sale to the public. The bullion value is measured in dollars and per ounce, although the number can vary on a daily basis as is the case with all precious metals. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded by the United States government. Give our experts a call on 01926 499031 to discuss your collection today or why not send us an email info@warwickandwarwick.com. Very Fine (V.F): Showing clear wear on high relief of medal but otherwise displays little wear. Some collectors and companies will pay more for your medals if they have an easy way to sell them on.For instance, were able to offer great prices for medals at Vintage Cash Cow thanks to Steve, our medals in militaria specialist, and his network of medal collectors. You can definitely expect to pay for an insurance, probate or family division valuation.Sale valuations are usually free. On Sunday, June 25, 1876, the Army of The United States intended to capture Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho Warriors. by Rachel Kay | Oct 15, 2022 | Insight Hub There is no definitive answer to whether military medals are worth money, as the value of such medals can vary depending on a number of factors. However, sometimes a common medal can sell for a lot of money if it belonged to someone of historical interest.As with a lot of collectible or historic items, medals are incredibly difficult to value as the value of the medal is directly linked to what the collectors market is willing to pay for it. +44 (0) 1926 491906 Medals in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear or damage, generally command higher values compared to those in poor condition. Between 1916 and 1993 approximately 138,517 medals and 6,167 bars were awarded. The reason many of us collect military medals is because they allow us todiscover not only major historical events, but also peoples experiences in such extreme circumstances. [18], The honorary MM awards were made to servicemen and women from eleven allied countries in the First World War, and nine in the Second World War. What was the most expensive medal ever sold? Whenever anyone opts to sell a medal, they rarely make the decision lightly or without a great deal of thought. The Military Medal (MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The moire silk ribbon was wrapped around the brooch and sewn across to hold it in place. The wrap brooch style construction began at the end of World War I and was used until the beginning of World War II. Historic medals or ones related to unique events or people are often more valuable. The military equivalent of the medal for army soldiers is the Distinguished Service Cross. This is for example the case of theBritish War medal 10 because they were awarded to any British Empire combatant. For the French medal, see, Sorted in order of wear per era or 1994 constituent force, Toggle Selected recipients of the Military Medal subsection, Selected recipients of the Military Medal. Of course the less of something there is, the more value it will possess. [11][12], Eligibility was extended to soldiers of the Indian Army in 1944.[13]. If you are selling your medals, this is the type of valuation you need. The award was established in 1916, with retrospective application to 1914, and was awarded to other ranks for "acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire". Reverse (right) and obverse (left) of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor, Last edited on 23 November 2020, at 04:05, Awards and decorations of the United States government, "OSD Medal for Valor Presented to PFPA Officers", "Sept. 11 Heroes to Receive Medal of Valor", "Mainer joins elite crew of Medal for Valor recipient", "Office of the Secretary of Defense Honorary Awards Guide", "VALOR UNDER FIRE BRITISH CIVILIAN AWARDED US BRAVERY MEDAL", "Press Advisory: Pentagon Police Dedicate Roll Call Room To Fallen Officer", "WP Resident Receives Highest Civilian Award for Valor", "Civilian contractors, former Soldiers receive Medal of Valor for actions in Afghanistan", "CACI Professionals Supporting U.S. Military OperationsAwarded Medal for Valor", "DoD Awards Medal for Valor to Two CACI Employees; Ken Asbury Quoted - GovCon Wire", "CACI Professionals Supporting U.S. Military Operations Awarded Medal for Valor", "Three DoD Contractors Get Highest Civilian Valor Award for Afghan Actions", "Secretary Carter to Present Medals to French Train Attack Heroes", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Secretary_of_Defense_Medal_for_Valor&oldid=990163157. . In 2009, the Victoria Cross and Bar which was awarded to Capt Noel Chavasse for service in the First World War was sold to renowned medal collector Lord Ashworth for a reported 1.5m. Collectors and appraisers assess factors such as wear, damage, and overall preservation. Once you have this value, all you need to do is weight the medal (in grams) and multiply this value by the metals fineness. Medal and ribbon made to the highest official government standards. The last thing you want is to be forcefully parted from your medals!At Vintage Cash Cow well happily give you a sale price absolutely free of charge and with no obligation. He is then ostracized by the platoon, until they find that he was awarded the Military Medal in the First World War whilst serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps, for rescuing wounded men under enemy fire. These World War I Victory Medals show the difference between a wrap brooch (on the right) and a split brooch.. Search Military Awards for Valor - Top 3: Search. Some medallions are plated, with a more expensive gilt layer superimposed on a less expensive metal base. Extremely Fine (E.F): Displays little wear if any at all. The silk ribbon is threaded through the slot and overhangs the front of the brooch. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. *These medals are no longer issued, other than the Distinguished Service Order which is now given for leadership and not gallantry. The bullion value is not the final value of a medal, but only that of its material. They may feature portraits, scenes, emblems, and inscriptions. There are a few different types of valuations you can get for your medals and it pays to make sure you know what you can expect from each one.In this section well dish the dirt on: There are different types of valuations and its important to know what kind of valuation you should get. Although not as rare as the split or wrap styles, slot brooch medals are still highly collectible, especially if they are engraved with names or dates. Often, medallions feature a profile on one side and a scene from a commemorated event on the other. As with medals from WW1, there are two main types of WWII medal: campaign medals and gallantry medals. For that reason alone, discussing the four main values of a medal appears to be a logical place to start. When a medal hasnt belonged to a family member, we consider it as part of a secondary market. It will tell you exactly how much you can make selling your medals.Its not unusual to get varying prices from private sale valuations. Silver, laurelled bars were authorised for subsequent awards, with a silver rosette worn on the ribbon bar to indicate the award of each bar. The name and service details of the recipient were impressed on the rim of the medal, although honorary awards to foreign recipients were issued unnamed. Whether you choose to collect medals based on their type, historical significance, issuing country, a specific campaign, or regiment or service, their value will depend on their scarcity and a multitude of other factors. Silver Medals. Lieutenant Audie Murphy, seen here in dress uniform, has been called the most decorated soldier in World War Two. Among the medals he is wearing is the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal with V Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster and a Purple Heart with two Oak leaf Clusters. The ratio in the First World War was approximately five MMs awarded for every DCM. Official military grade, premium quality full size medal. Although a few medal-type decorations were issued in the 1800s, the real effort to honor this nations fighting men didnt begin until the early part of the 20th century when the U.S. military started authorizing and issuing service, campaign and valor medals with established criteria for the various branches. Share sensitive information only on official, Except for signs of age and handling wear, its difficult to tell a medal pendant made in the 1930s from one made in the 1960s, since medal manufacturers continued to use the same die molds. Leadership. [2] It was awarded to other ranks including non-commissioned officers and warrant officers, and ranked below the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). There are two types of engraving: hand and machine done. They may be die-stamped or cast in a mold. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take shortcuts that might undermine the integrity of the final product. $50 - $100. They can also be personal or diplomatic gifts, and may be given to one person or to an organization. Medals issued in the early 1900s were often rim-engraved with serial numbers. How manyof it were awarded, and how many are available? For this reason, you should be wary of any company that gives you a sale price before theyve seen your medal. Est: $100- $200. And while over 150 years have passed since its inception, the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished. Steeped in history: The Lord Ashcroft Collection, which is on display in the Imperial War Museum, includes a Victoria Cross, far left. [2] Created in 2001 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the medal recognizes government employees and private citizens who perform an act of heroism or sacrifice, with voluntary risk to their personal safety in the face of danger. People are often keen to share their experiences both good and bad.You can check out our reviews here.We love valuing medals and militaria here at Vintage Cash Cow. The medals are grubby and the ribbons in tact and in good condition. A further 112 MMs awarded 1980-93: 65 for. Many people know what the words Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage mean. Is there paperwork to follow itsprovenance? Abbott & Tamplin, British Gallantry Awards, 2nd edition. War medals are one way to tell storiesexperiences that hopefully will resonate with those who know little of our history. The U.S. Mint produces national medals to commemorate significant historical events of the Nation, or to honor those persons whose superior deeds and achievements have enriched our history, or the world. The suspender is of an ornate scroll type. A medal which has lots of wear, edge knocks or is fire damaged is worth less than one that is in an overall good condition. Gallantry medals were awarded to servicemen and women for showing particular valour or bravery during their service.Individuals who saw service in the First World War were entitled to claim medals for their service. This would ensure that the educational value of the medal is retained; it also secures the memory of the recipient. Some collectors will pay more for medals that were awarded to certain soldiers or for certain reasons like bravery or valour.This is why its important to know what type of valuation you need and the best place to get it from. They are still valuable, but might not fetch as much as a rarer medal such as the Victoria Cross Medal, which has only been awarded 1,358 times so it will be more valuable.A medals value can also be affected greatly by its condition. Medals issued by the military for gallantry usually fall into four tiers, depending on the reason for the award. Buy Military Medals for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, & Coast Guard as well as 1000's of military related products. Provide as many images and as much detail as you can for an accurate valuation. [citation needed]. Governments, institutions and military leaders have awarded medals for achievement and recognition from the Renaissance until today. Locked padlock icon There are many factors that come in play when appraising a military medal. The price of precious metals like silver, gold and platinum is always measured in dollars per ounce and can vary on a daily basis. The bullion value is measured in dollars and per ounce, although the number can vary on a daily basis as is the case with all precious metals. Made and Maintained by Yisela Alvarez Trentini, How to Start Collecting Medals, Badges and Awards, Resources Guide: How to Identify Military Medals and Badges. [17], Australian Army members received 11,038 and 14 were to awarded Air Force personnel; 478 first bars were awarded, 15 second bars and one third bar. Appraising a military medal involves considering two key aspects: condition and provenance. Shop USA Military Medals. Nowadays, warfare is much more reliant on technology with much less combat at close quarters. By using this website, you agree that we and our partners may set cookies The award was discontinued in 1993, when it was replaced by the Military Cross, which was extended to all ranks, while other Commonwealth nations instituted their own award systems in the post war period. Artistic medallions made in the late 19th and early 20th century are valuable as well, and represent an era of renewed interest in medallion-making. It is presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, and is conferred only upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty: The obverse bears the effigy of the reigning monarch and an appropriate inscription. For example, a George Cross was sold for 93,000 in 2012, but the silver in it is only worth about 10. Depending on their age, they can be very valuable. How to store and display your medals, what to collect and how to find out prices for your collections, and the meaning of being a medal guardian. The medal itself is central to the storyline in that it is higher than all the medals held by the rest of the platoon and is seen as a mark of true heroism which earns him great respect from them all. Roman emperors commissioned metals as gifts or awards. Almost every VC example from the First World War routinely surpasses 100,000 and the 11 VCs awarded at the Battle of Rorke's Drift command higher prices because of the conflicts subsequent fame. Collectors are particularly interested in the stories that led to the awards. If youve been reading the articles on Identify Medals, theres a good chance that you fit into one of two categories: 1)you are a medal, In this guide, I explain the different ways in which you can identify some of your military medals, badges or awards online. For example, if you have 24K, you get 1.0 which means 100% pure gold. The first one is thecondition, whether its highpoints have any wear and the edges are free from nicks. These medals often represent the bravery, sacrifice, and service of individuals and are cherished as treasured heirlooms, carrying profound meaning and memories. Nov 13, 2019 Original: Aug 5, 2015 "We must always remember what a Purple Heart represents: An American service member had been injured or worse, killed in action." Robert Wilson Your WorthPoint account has been suspended. For foreign and British awards which are not inscribed, such as campaign medals issued from 1939 to 1945, the survival of this supporting documentation carries even more importance. In general, however, military medals are not worth a large amount of money. A great number of medallions are made as awards for accomplishments in many different fields. This page was last edited on 16 May 2023, at 14:49. For instance, theres their bouillon value, sentimental value, and collector value, to their insurance value. 13 of January 1918, Abbott & Tamplin, British Gallantry Awards, 2nd edition, page 228 confirms 932 medals and 8 bars for 1947-79. Orders, Decorations & other medals: Anything issued to British & Commonwealth personnel since the start of Queen Victorias reign, including medals for gallantry, long service, good conduct, life-saving or to commemorate a royal coronation or jubilee. Although some medals are highly sought-after and command high prices, on the whole very few collectors buy for investment. Its hard to determine theworthof such objects, but themonetary valueis something we can calculate based on scarcity and other similar factors. Sign up to receive highlights from the Mearto online appraisal archive, plus special updates and offers. Several modern medals have sold for high prices as well. Gelderd Road Have you recently inherited, earned or purchased a military medal and want to know its value? In 2009, a Victoria Cross and Bar awarded to Capt Noel Chavasse for service in the First World War sold for over 1.5m. 4.7 14 ratings. Our specialists can help you set an appropriate asking price, which results in more serious offers from potential buyers. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. A circular silver medal of 36mm diameter. This is usually down to disputes over the condition of the medal.By looking on auction sites and in auction houses, you can see how much similar medals have sold for in the past or how much future lots are expected to go for. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. Medals issued in the early 1900s had what is called a split brooch. The split brooch was an open loop of metal with the pinback attachment device soldered to the open edges. Insurance replacement valuations and sale valuations are often confused.An insurance replacement valuation will tell you how much you can claim on your insurance if your medals are lost or stolen. Nearly 140,000 people have been awarded the Military Medal. If you have found an exciting medal and want to know the value, dont get too excited before you do this research. Official websites use .govA They can be awarded for a number of reasons, and many people like to buy and collect them to learn more about history. Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750, Auction Report: WWI German Aerial Ace Von Tutscheks Medals Soar to $28,000, Reunion Renews Interest in Circus World Memorabilia, Olympic Medals: Champion Collectibles of Summer and Winter Games. The nation's highest military award is The Medal of Honor. Medals for exceptional valor and heroism, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Airmans Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal and Soldiers Medal, also tend to be more collectible, as is the Purple Heart, which can only be awarded for wounds received as a direct result of enemy action. [10], Since 1918 recipients of the Military Medal have been entitled to the post-nominal letters "MM". Many medal collectors (me included) consider themselves as the current custodian of a medal, rather than the owner. The medal and ribbon had the following features:[3][4], The medal was awarded with one of six obverse designs:[4], George V (1st type) in Field Marshal's uniform (19161930), George V (2nd type) in crown and robes (19301937), George VI (1st type); inscribed 'INDIAE IMP' (19381948), George VI (2nd type); omits 'INDIAE IMP' (19491952), Elizabeth II (1st type); inscription has 'BR OMN' (19521958), Elizabeth II (2nd type); inscription has 'DEI GRATIA' (19581993). Another way of telling if a piece is plated and not solid is to look for areas that have been worn and expose a different material beneath the surface layer. Search Military Awards for Valor - Top 3: Search. Medals may be classified by their purpose, form, or time period in which they were made. $1 - $50. In the Great War of 1914 to 1918, a VC could be awarded for rescuing a wounded colleague from No Mans Land but far fewer were issued in the Second World War so they often command higher prices. If you could see the backs of these medals, they would most likely have been made with slot brooch devices. Engravings are an important way not only to date a medal, but to ensure that it is original and not a later restrike. While the type of brooch is important, there are other features that can make a U.S. medal more valuable. If you are hoping to sell World War One medals, you can access medal rolls online to find out more about your medals and who they were awarded to. Therefore, this value cannot be measured in terms of money. Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. [citation needed], In the Dad's Army episode "Branded", the platoon discover that the character Private Godfrey was a Conscientious Objector. Its hard to determine theworthof such objects, but themonetary value is something we can calculate based on scarcity and other similar factors. The thing to remember about U.S. medals is that just because its modern made, doesnt mean its a reproduction. Our platform allows you to chat back and forth with a specialist to ensure that all of your questions are answered. Prices vary for different types of valuation and across different types of companies. 3. Nobel Prize winners receive a medal for scientific, humanitarian and cultural achievements. Good Fine (G.F): Worn but clearly showing signs of wear. The U.S. military awards prestigious medals to recognize valor, heroism, and meritorious service (going above and beyond the call of duty) in combat conditions. Those issued for the Zulu War (23) are even scarcer than VCs from earlier campaigns such as the Indian Mutiny (182). Militaria collectors are always looking to acquire Orders, Decorations and Medals that have been awarded to both British and foreign troops. The obverse depicts a five pointed star on top of a laurel wreath. Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Medals issued by the military for gallantry usually fall into four tiers, depending on the reason for the award. Military Medals. Crimp brooch medals are the least collectible U.S. medals and generally need some other aspectengraved name, high prominenceto make them valuable. organization in the United States. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Shop USA Military Medals. Nowadays, Second World War stars can fetch as little as 5 to 10 because these medals are not named and it is difficult to link them to the recipient. See note 34, page 228, British Gallantry Awards, (2nd ed), Abbott & Tamplin. The medal is suspended from a ribbon 35mm in width in ultramarine blue. Armed Forces Super Store. Medallions also can be categorized by material. Jul 02, 12:00 PM AEST WWII-era Australian Military Forces Buttons (6 items . Others, however, have been issued in small quantities and have a higher collectors value. If you were to melt your medal, this would be its bullion value. He fell from the plane with his parachute on fire and later escaped from a prisoner of war camp. The United States Armed Forces awards and decorations are primarily the medals, service ribbons, and specific badges which recognize military service and personal accomplishments while a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.Such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a service member's career. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable. Since 1815, when the Waterloo Medal was issued, campaign medals have been awarded to everyone who meets the varying qualifying criteria for a particular campaign.