Medals Value & Price Guide

Collecting medals offers a unique intersection of military history, religious devotion, and artistic craftsmanship. From prestigious state honors like the Order of the Double Dragon to humble religious pendants, these pieces serve as tangible links to significant historical events and personal milestones.

Price Range: $75 - $87 based on recent sales

History of Medals

The tradition of awarding medals dates back to antiquity, but the modern concept of military and commemorative medals flourished during the Renaissance. Initially reserved for high-ranking officers and royalty, the 19th and 20th centuries saw a shift toward recognizing the service of common soldiers, leading to the mass production of campaign medals like those seen in the World Wars and the Korean War. Parallel to military honors, religious medals have been used for centuries as tokens of faith. The Miraculous Medal, for instance, gained global popularity in the mid-19th century following reported visions in France, leading to a vast array of devotional jewelry that remains highly collectible today.

Value Factors for Medals

The typical price range for Medals is $75 - $87 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity and Mintage: Limited issue commemorative medals or high-ranking honors from defunct empires carry the highest price tags.
• Condition and Enamel: The presence of original enamel without chips and the lack of heavy abrasions on the planchet are critical for valuation.
• Historical Significance: Medals associated with major conflicts, such as the Eastern Front or the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, have a consistent demand among militaria collectors.
• Material Composition: Pieces crafted from solid gold or sterling silver, common in early 20th-century religious and state awards, provide a baseline value based on precious metal content.

Tips for Buying Medals

• Verify the authenticity of the ribbon and drape, as original silk ribbons are significantly more valuable than modern polyester replacements.
• Research the specific strike or 'class' of the medal, especially for high-value items like the Order of the Double Dragon where variations in enamel can impact price.
• Look for 'named' military medals that are engraved with the recipient's name, as these often command a premium due to their traceable provenance.
• Examine the patina on silver and bronze medals; over-cleaning can strip away the historical character and decrease the market value.

Items in This Collection

• Eastern Front Medal Value & Price Guide
• Order Of The Double Dragon Value & Price Guide
• Korean Service Medal
• Religious Medal Value & Price Guide
• Miraculous Medal Pendant
• Four-Way Catholic Medal
• US Air Medal
• Religious Medals Value & Price Guide
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
• Churchill Commemorative Medal