Grand Army of the Republic Medal Value Guide

The Grand Army of the Republic Medal is a premier artifact of American Civil War history, representing the elite fraternal organization of Union veterans founded in 1866. These bronze and silk medals were worn with immense pride at national encampments and served as a powerful symbol of service and political influence until the organization's dissolution in 1956.

What Is Grand Army of the Republic Medal Worth?

The typical price range for Grand Army of the Republic Medal is $250 - $300 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of a traceable serial number significantly increases value by linking the piece to a specific soldier's service record.
• Condition of the fragile silk ribbon is critical; fraying, fading, or replacement ribbons will lower the market price.
• The inclusion of the modern shadow box display adds value by ensuring the preservation of the bronze and wood components.
• Provenance or documentation linking the medal to a specific GAR Post or a high-ranking officer can drive prices toward the top of the $250-$300 range.

How to Identify Grand Army of the Republic Medal?

• Verify the five-pointed star is cast in bronze, often featuring a design of a soldier and sailor shaking hands.
• Check for the original silk ribbon, which typically features the American flag pattern or specific departmental colors.
• Look for a serial number stamped on the edge of the medal, which can often be traced back to the original veteran recipient.
• Examine the eagle-topped pin bar for authentic 19th-century attachment hardware and casting crispness.

History of Grand Army of the Republic Medal

The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who served in the American Civil War. Founded in 1866, it quickly became a powerful political lobby, advocating for veterans' rights and pensions. Membership was highly prized, and these medals were worn with great pride at parades, encampments, and other public events. The organization significantly influenced post-Civil War American society and politics, helping to shape the memory of the war and the role of its veterans. The last member died in 1956, officially dissolving the organization.