How To Value Medals

Awarded to the virtuous and venerable during historically significant events, people across the globe appreciate medals for their ability to provide an insight into history as well as a reminder of the efforts and sacrifices made by others who have fought in conflicts all over the world. Did you inherit a medal collection that you would like to have valued? Are you wondering how much your old war medal is worth? Perhaps you are wondering whether or not you should buy the piece you saw at an antique store to start your own collection? The following tips and tricks will help you on your pursuit to finding out the estimated value for your medal today!

Types of medals

Military medals can be divided into the categories of gallantry, and campaigning. Medals awarded for gallantry can typically be divided into four tiers. Tier one includes the Victoria Cross, George Cross, Albert Medal, and Edward Medal.Tier 2 includes the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, George Medal, Royal Red Cross (1st class), Distinguished Service Order, and Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. Tier 3 includes the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Distinguished Service Cross; Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross Air Force Cross, Royal Red Cross (2nd Class), Queen's Gallantry Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Military Medal, Distinguished Flying Medal, and Air Force Medal; and Tier 4 consists of Mentioned in Dispatches, Queen's Commendation for Bravery, Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air, and Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.

Condition

As with any collectible item, the condition of a medal is greatly determined by its condition. The most valuable medals on the market in addition to being in as close to like new as possible condition will also come with their original papers and presentation box. Otherwise, if your medal is broken or bares any signs of damage such as cracks, chips, broken pieces, filed off inscriptions, missing ribbons, tears or fraying in the ribbon, or any other such compromises in your item’s physical quality, then this will decrease the value of a medal. 

Rarity

The rarity of an item is perhaps the most pivotal determining factor in finding an accurate value estimate for your medal. Luckily, as most awarded medals, especially those awarded by a government, are diligently documented and kept track of. For instance, we know that 365,000 1914 Star medals have been awarded since 1914, while the Victoria Cross medal has only been awarded 1,358 times. Of course the less of something there is, the more value it will possess. A 1914 Star medal is not worth much more than £100, while a Victoria Cross awarded to First World War Captain Noel Chavasse sold for £1.5 million in 2009.

Other factors

The other feature of your medal that will play a deciding role in its value is the meaning that lies behind it. Many collectors are willing to pay higher prices for medals that were awarded to certain historical figures or for certain reasons such as bravery and valour. The sentimentality factor of your item can have the potential to attract motivated buyers on the market.

Appraisal

Collecting medals is a way for many to hold onto a physically tangible representation of virtues that mankind has valued since the beginning of time, such as courage, nobility, and heroism. Through these items we are able to remember instances and periods throughout history in which men and women alike displayed valiant acts of bravery and sacrifice, and thus it is no wonder people today seek to attain symbols of this phenomenon.

However without a doubt, the most important step to take when endeavouring to find the value of your medal is to seek professional valuation services. Only an expert with years of training and experience will be able to use their knowledge to help you find the most accurate estimated value for your item as possible. Luckily there are such professionals in the field here at Value My Stuff so that you can be on your way towards finding the value for your medal as soon as today!