Collecting War Medals: A Guide to What to Collect and What to Look For
Collecting war medals is a fascinating and deeply historical hobby. Each medal tells a story—of conflict, bravery, service, and sacrifice. For collectors, medals are more than pieces of metal; they are tangible links to the past and to the individuals who served in times of war. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced collector, understanding which medals to collect and what to look for can make the hobby far more rewarding.
Why Collect War Medals?
War medals combine history, artistry, and personal stories. Many medals were awarded for specific campaigns or acts of bravery, making them historical artifacts tied to major world events such as the First World War and the Second World War.
Collectors are often drawn to medals because they:
- Represent real individuals and their wartime service
- Are historically significant
- Often remain relatively affordable compared with other antiques
- Can be researched and traced back to soldiers or units
Popular Medals to Collect
British Campaign Medals
British campaign medals are among the most widely collected because they were issued in large numbers and often include the recipient’s name on the rim.
Some good starting examples include:
- British War Medal 1914–1920
- Victory Medal (United Kingdom)
- 1939–1945 Star
- Defence Medal (United Kingdom)
These medals are relatively affordable and widely available, making them ideal for beginner collectors.
Gallantry Medals
Gallantry medals are awarded for acts of bravery and are among the most prestigious awards.
Examples include:
- Victoria Cross – The highest British award for bravery. Extremely rare and valuable.
- Military Medal (United Kingdom) – Awarded to soldiers for bravery in battle.
- Distinguished Conduct Medal – One of the highest awards for gallantry for non-commissioned officers.
These medals can be expensive but are highly prized by collectors.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals
These medals recognise dedication rather than combat bravery.
A common example is:
- Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
They are usually affordable and often engraved with the soldier’s name, making research possible.
Campaign and Theatre Medals
These medals were awarded for participation in specific campaigns or regions.
Examples include:
- Africa Star
- Italy Star
- Pacific Star
Collectors sometimes focus on completing a full set of medals from a particular conflict or theatre of war.
Medal Groups vs Single Medals
Collectors often prefer medal groups, which are sets of medals awarded to one individual.
For example, a soldier who served in the First World War might receive:
- The 1914–15 Star
- The British War Medal 1914–1920
- The Victory Medal (United Kingdom)
This trio is often called a “Pip, Squeak and Wilfred” trio by collectors.
Groups are more desirable because they tell a fuller story of the recipient’s service.
What to Look for When Buying War Medals
1. Naming and Engraving
Many British medals have the recipient’s name, service number, and regiment engraved on the rim. Named medals are generally more valuable because they can be researched.
Researching the recipient’s military records can reveal fascinating stories about their service.
2. Original Ribbons
Original ribbons increase both authenticity and value. Replacement ribbons are common, but collectors often prefer medals with original ribbons or mounting.
3. Condition
Condition greatly affects value. Look for:
- Clear details and sharp edges
- Minimal polishing
- No heavy scratches or damage
Collectors generally prefer medals in original, untouched condition.
4. Provenance
If the medal comes with supporting items such as:
- Service records
- Photographs
- Letters
- Award documents
its historical value increases significantly.
5. Avoiding Fakes
Certain medals—especially the Victoria Cross—have been heavily reproduced.
To avoid buying reproductions:
- Buy from reputable dealers
- Compare weight and dimensions with official specifications
- Look for correct engraving styles
Reference books and medal catalogues are invaluable tools.
Building a Collection
Many collectors specialise in a particular area, such as:
- First World War medals
- Second World War campaign stars
- Gallantry awards
- Medals from a specific regiment or country
Specialising allows collectors to develop expertise and build a meaningful collection.
Final Thoughts
Collecting war medals is not just about acquiring objects—it is about preserving history and remembering those who served. Every medal represents a human story, and researching the individuals behind them can be one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby.
Whether you start with a simple campaign medal or eventually pursue rare gallantry awards, the world of military medal collecting offers endless opportunities for discovery, research, and historical connection.
The Most Valuable War Medals and Their Market Values
For collectors, some war medals are far more desirable than others because of rarity, prestige, and historical significance. Below is a guide to some of the most valuable and collectible military medals and why collectors seek them.
1. Victoria Cross (VC)
The Victoria Cross is the most famous and valuable British military medal. It is awarded for extraordinary bravery “in the face of the enemy” and is the highest military decoration in the UK honours system.
- Introduced: 1856 during the Crimean War
- Total awarded: about 1,350 medals
- Typical value: £150,000 to over £400,000, depending on provenance
- Record sales: some groups have sold for hundreds of thousands or even over £1 million at auction.
Because so few exist, the VC is considered the holy grail of medal collecting.
2. George Cross (GC)
The George Cross recognises acts of extreme heroism not in direct combat.
- Instituted: 1940 during the Second World War
- Typical value: £20,000 – £50,000+ depending on the recipient’s story.
Collectors often value GC medals highly because many are associated with dramatic stories of civilian bravery during wartime.
3. Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
This medal is awarded to officers for leadership and distinguished service in combat.
- Introduced: 1886
- Value: roughly £2,000 – £10,000+ depending on the recipient and accompanying medals.
When found in a group with other medals, the value can increase significantly.
4. Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)
This medal was awarded for gallantry by non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
- Era: 1854–1993
- Often linked to soldiers from the First World War or earlier campaigns
- Value: typically £800 – £4,000+, depending on provenance.
Collectors like the DCM because many recipients can be researched through military records.
5. Military Cross (MC)
The Military Cross was awarded to officers for gallantry during active operations.
- Introduced: 1914 during the First World War
- Value: typically £1,000 – £5,000+, depending on citation and history.
Named examples with battle citations are particularly desirable.
6. Queen’s South Africa Medal
Issued to soldiers who served in the Second Boer War (1899–1902).
- Value: £300 – £5,000+ depending on clasps and regiment.
Collectors like this medal because the clasps indicate specific battles or campaigns, making them highly researchable.
7. Purple Heart
An American decoration awarded to soldiers wounded or killed in action.
- Introduced: 1932
- Value: £300 – £3,000+ depending on engraving and history.
Named examples from major battles can be very collectible.
What Actually Determines the Value of War Medals
1. The Story Behind the Medal
A medal linked to a famous battle or heroic act can be worth far more than the same medal awarded routinely.
2. Named vs Unnamed Medals
British medals from the First World War are usually named to the recipient, which makes them much more desirable because collectors can research the soldier’s history.
3. Medal Groups
A group of medals belonging to one soldier is much more valuable than single medals. Collectors like groups because they tell the complete story of a soldier’s career.
4. Provenance
Items that come with:
- Service papers
- Photographs
- Letters
- Award citations
can dramatically increase value.
5. Condition
Collectors prefer medals that have:
- Original ribbons
- Sharp detail
- No heavy polishing
Entry-Level Medals for New Collectors
You don’t need thousands of dollars to start collecting. Some affordable medals include:
- British War Medal 1914–1920
- Victory Medal (United Kingdom)
- 1939–1945 Star
These can often be purchased relatively cheaply because they were issued in large numbers during the world wars.
Final Advice for Collectors
When collecting war medals, remember:
- Buy the story, not just the medal
- Research the recipient whenever possible
- Avoid reproductions and modern copies
- Keep medal groups together
The best collections are often built around a specific conflict, regiment, or country, allowing collectors to develop real expertise in their chosen field.