You might have a special medal and wonder what it's worth. Selling it feels complicated. The rules around selling military medals versus sports medals are confusing, and you don’t want to make a legal or financial mistake.
Yes, you can often sell gold medals and many military medals. But, selling a U.S. Purple Heart is illegal. The market value depends more on the recipient's story and historical context than just the medal's raw material.
Selling medals isn't a simple transaction. I’ve been in the business of making custom medals and coins for over 12 years, and I’ve learned that value comes from many places. A gold medal's worth is tied to the famous athlete who won it. A military medal's value is tied to the soldier's bravery and the papers that prove it. The law also draws a clear line. You can legally sell a medal from a past war. But you can face federal charges for selling a Purple Heart. Understanding these differences is the first step.
Let's break down what makes each type of medal unique. The process is very different for an Olympic medal compared to a military honor. An Olympic gold medal is a piece of sports history. Its value is connected to the athlete's name and the moment they won. I remember a client, Diego, who created sports merchandise. For him, the value was all about the athlete's brand. On the other hand, military medals are historical artifacts. They tell a story of service and sacrifice. Their value comes from the history they represent, not just who held them. And then some medals, like the Purple Heart, are protected by law because they represent the ultimate sacrifice. They are not meant to be bought or sold at all.
Is It Legal to Sell Military Medals and the Purple Heart?
Many people feel unsure about the laws for selling military medals. It's a good question to ask. Let's look at the rules so you can be confident.
Selling most military medals, like campaign medals, is legal in the United States. However, the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 makes it a federal crime to buy or sell the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, and other high-level decorations.
The Stolen Valor Act Explained
This law is very specific. It doesn't stop a family from owning or inheriting a medal. My client Sarah, a U.S. government contractor, deals with strict military specifications. She understands that these top medals are sacred symbols. The Stolen Valor Act targets the commercial trade of these specific honors. The government wants to prevent people from profiting from symbols of the highest valor and sacrifice. The law is about protecting the honor of these awards, not punishing families who possess them.
What About Other Military Medals?
So, what is okay to sell? General military medals are usually legal to trade. These include:
- Campaign medals (like the Vietnam Service Medal)
- Good Conduct medals
- Service medals
These items are part of a large and active collector's market. Historians and collectors buy and sell them to preserve pieces of military history. The law focuses on the top-tier awards given for exceptional bravery, not the medals that recognize service.
A Quick Legal Guide
Laws can differ from country to country. But for the U.S. market, here is a simple guide to what is legal to sell.
| Medal Type | U.S. Legal Status to Sell | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Medalla de honor | Illegal | Protected by the Stolen Valor Act |
| Corazón púrpura | Illegal | Protected by the Stolen Valor Act |
| Silver/Bronze Star | Illegal | Protected by the Stolen Valor Act |
| WWII Victory Medal | Legal | A common collector's item |
| Foreign Medals | Depends on Country | Check the laws of the issuing nation |
What’s the Difference Between Selling Gold Medals and Military Honors?
Selling a sports medal is mostly a financial choice. But selling a military honor involves history and deep respect. They are two very different worlds.
Gold medals get their value from the athlete's fame and the price of the metal. Military honors get their value from the soldier's story, the conflict, and official documents. One is a collectible, the other is a historical record.
The Market for Sporting Gold Medals
The main factor here is celebrity. An Olympic gold medal is not pure gold. Modern ones are mostly silver. But a medal won by a world-famous athlete can sell for millions. Why? Because the buyer is purchasing a piece of that athlete's legendary story. It’s a tangible link to a great moment in sports history. The buyers are often sports memorabilia collectors who value fame and rarity above all else.
The Market for Military Honors
History drives this market. A common medal with no name attached might be worth very little. But the same medal awarded to a soldier who fought in a famous battle, with its original papers, can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Buyers are historians and militaria collectors. They act as custodians of history. I once worked with a client from a British museum. They needed an exact replica of a historical coin. For them, the story and authenticity were everything. It's the same for military medals. The documentation is just as important as the medal itself.
The Ethical Question
Finally, there is an ethical side. For some families, selling a medal is a practical decision to get much-needed money. For others, it feels like selling a piece of their family's soul. There is no right or wrong answer. It is a personal choice. But it's important to think about what the medal meant to the person who earned it before you decide to sell.
How Much Is a Purple Heart or Military Medal Worth?
The dollar value of a medal can be a surprise. It ranges from a few dollars to thousands. Let's look at the factors that decide the price.
A Purple Heart’s market value is zero because it is illegal to sell. Other military medals can range from $15 for a common campaign medal to over $10,000 for a rare, documented award for valor from a major war.
Key Factors That Determine Value
Not all medals are created equal. Even two of the same type can have very different values. As a manufacturer who handles details like gold plating and custom engraving for clients like Aisha in the UAE, I know that small details make a big difference.
1. The Recipient and Their Story
A medal awarded to a famous war hero or someone involved in a well-known event will be worth much more than a medal given to an unknown soldier. The story is what collectors pay for.
2. The Documentation (Provenance)
This is critical. The original award certificate, the presentation box, and photos of the recipient add immense value. They prove the medal is authentic and connect it to a real person and their history.
3. Rarity and Condition
Some medals were issued by the millions, making them very common. Others are extremely rare. And just like any collectible, a medal in perfect condition is worth more than one that is damaged or worn.
Estimated Value of Legal-to-Sell Medals
Here is a general idea of what some common, legal-to-sell medals might be worth. These are just estimates.
| Medal Example | Common / Unnamed | With Papers / Named | Rare and Documented |
|---|---|---|---|
| WWI Victory Medal | $10 - $25 | $40 - $100 | $200+ |
| WWII Good Conduct | $5 - $15 | $20 - $50 | $100+ (Navy/Marine) |
| Vietnam Service | $15 - $30 | $50 - $120 | $250+ (Special Forces) |
Where Can You Sell Medals Safely and Legally?
If you decide to sell a medal that is legal to trade, finding the right place is key to getting a fair price. Here are your best choices.
Sell legal medals through reputable auction houses that specialize in military items, online collector forums, or dedicated medal dealers. Do not go to a pawn shop, because they will likely only offer you the scrap metal price.
Reputable Auction Houses
These businesses connect you with serious collectors around the world. They have experts who can appraise your item accurately. The downside is that they charge a commission, which can be a significant percentage of the final sale price.
Specialized Medal Dealers
These are individuals or businesses that buy and sell military items for a living. They know the market very well. A sale to a dealer is often faster than an auction. However, they are buying to resell, so their offer will be lower than the medal's full retail value.
Online Collector Forums
Websites like eBay or specialized militaria forums can be good options. You can connect directly with buyers. But you have to do more work yourself. This includes taking good photos, writing a detailed description, and being careful to avoid scams.
What Should You Know Before Selling or Buying These Medals?
A little bit of preparation can save you from a lot of regret. Before you make a deal, here are some final tips I've learned from my work.
Before selling, research the medal’s history and get a professional appraisal. Never clean it, as the patina adds to its value. Buyers should always demand proof of origin and documentation to avoid fakes.
For Sellers: Do Your Research First
- Identify the Medal: Know exactly what you have. Use online guides or reference books.
- Get an Appraisal: Talk to an expert to understand its true market value.
- DO NOT CLEAN THE MEDAL: This is the most important rule. Collectors value the original patina. Cleaning a medal is like erasing its history, and it will lower its value significantly.
For Buyers: Protect Yourself
- Demand Provenance: Ask for the story behind the medal. Where did it come from? Are there any papers?
- Watch for Fakes: Reproductions are common. As someone who manufactures medals, I know a replica can look very real. Look for signs of modern tool marks or artificial aging. My client Klaus, in Germany, insists on certified reports. You should be just as careful.
- Know the Law: Make sure the medal you are buying is legal to trade in your location.
Conclusión
Selling medals is a serious business. Gold medals are valued for fame, while most military medals are legal to sell and are valued for their history. The Purple Heart and Medal of Honor are illegal to sell. Always do your research and talk to an expert first.
