National Defense Service Medal Value Guide

Established by President Eisenhower in 1953, the National Defense Service Medal is a foundational military decoration awarded for active service during four distinct periods of national emergency. It is highly collectible due to its representation of service during major conflicts like the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.

What Is National Defense Service Medal Worth?

The typical price range for National Defense Service Medal is $15 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition of the bronze, where a preserved original finish without heavy oxidation or scratches commands higher prices.
• The presence of the original issue box or official award documentation, which can push value toward the $30 mark.
• Ribbon integrity, specifically looking for vibrant colors and a lack of fraying or sun-bleaching from display.
• Historical era of issue, as medals from the original 1950s Korean War period are often more sought after than modern strikes.

How to Identify National Defense Service Medal?

• Identify the obverse by an American eagle perched on a sword and palm branch, symbolizing defense and victory.
• Verify the reverse side features the shield of the United States Coat of Arms surrounded by an open wreath of laurel and oak.
• Check for the specific ribbon color sequence: a wide yellow center stripe flanked by thin stripes of red, white, and blue.
• Confirm the medal is struck in bronze, maintaining the official 1.25-inch diameter standard used since its 1953 inception.

History of National Defense Service Medal

The National Defense Service Medal was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. It is awarded for honorable active service in the United States Armed Forces during specific national emergencies. It has been authorized for four periods: the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the War on Terrorism. This medal signifies a period of national conflict, and is a foundational decoration for many who have served.