Our Lady of Mount Carmel Gold Medal Value Guide

This exquisite 18k gold medal from early 20th-century France represents a refined era of religious devotion, serving as a durable alternative to the traditional cloth scapular. Its historical significance is rooted in the 12th-century Carmelite tradition, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors of French ecclesiastical jewelry.

What affects the value of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Gold Medal?

• The current market price of 18k gold significantly influences the base value of this $605 piece.
• The condition of the relief work, particularly the facial features of Our Lady, affects collector desirability.
• Provenance and origin, specifically the 'Made in France' attribution, command a premium in the antique religious market.
• The presence of original patination versus heavy polishing can impact the medal's historical integrity and worth.

How to Identify Our Lady of Mount Carmel Gold Medal?

• Look for French hallmarks, specifically the eagle's head stamp, which indicates 18k gold purity.
• Examine the reverse side for a depiction of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a common pairing for Mount Carmel medals of this era.
• Verify the stylistic details of the 1900-1920 period, characterized by soft relief work and delicate French craftsmanship.
• Check for the signature of a French engraver, often found in small lettering near the bottom edge of the medal.

History of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Gold Medal

Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel dates back to the 12th century when a group of hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land formed an order. They dedicated themselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The scapular, a piece of cloth worn over the shoulders, became central to this devotion, symbolizing Mary's protection. Over centuries, these medals became popular, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, as a more durable and convenient alternative to the cloth scapular.