Distinguished Service Cross Medal Value Guide

The Distinguished Service Cross is the United States Army's second-highest military decoration, established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 to honor extraordinary heroism in combat. This prestigious award recognizes acts of gallantry and intrepidity that fall just below the requirements for the Medal of Honor, making it a cornerstone of American phaleristics.

What Is Distinguished Service Cross Medal Worth?

The typical price range for Distinguished Service Cross Medal is $1,000 - $1,100 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence of original presentation case and official documentation significantly increases the $1,000-$1,100 valuation.
• Verified attribution to a specific soldier and a documented citation for heroism can drive higher collector interest.
• The condition of the bronze patina and the lack of fraying on the silk ribbon are critical for maintaining top market value.
• Historical era of issue, with World War I and World War II examples often commanding a premium over modern strikes.

How to Identify Distinguished Service Cross Medal?

• Verify the bronze cross features a central eagle with a scroll below inscribed with the words 'FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE'.
• Check for the original silk ribbon with its specific blue, white, and red stripe pattern.
• Examine the reverse side for a space intended for the recipient's name, though some issued examples may remain unengraved.
• Ensure the casing includes the era-appropriate velvet and plastic inserts consistent with 20th-century US military presentations.

History of Distinguished Service Cross Medal

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army. It was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 during World War I to recognize acts of extraordinary heroism. The medal's design features an eagle, the symbol of the United States, atop a cross, with a scroll inscribed 'FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE'. Recipients of this award are honored for their gallantry and intrepidity in the face of an enemy. It is a highly respected award, often considered second only to the Medal of Honor.