How Should I Store My Medals? Simple Tips to Protect Them
Learn how to store military medals safely, protect original ribbons and avoid damaging valuable medals. Find how Sell My Medals can help assess your collection.
Updated 27 October 2026
How Should I Store My Medals? Simple Tips to Protect Them
Military medals can hold significant historical, sentimental and financial value. Whether you have inherited medals from a family member or own a collection, storing them correctly can help preserve their condition for years to come.
1. Keep Medals in a Dry Environment
Moisture can cause corrosion and damage ribbons. Store your medals in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature, away from damp rooms, radiators and direct sunlight.
Avoid lofts, garages and cellars where temperature and humidity can fluctuate significantly.
2. Avoid Cleaning or Polishing
It can be tempting to polish an old medal to make it look its best, but this may damage its original surface and reduce its appeal to collectors.
Avoid using metal polish, household cleaners or abrasive cloths. If a medal is tarnished or has signs of corrosion, leave it as it is until you have sought appropriate advice.
3. Store Medals Separately Where Possible
Medals can become scratched if they rub against one another. Consider using individual compartments or soft, archival-quality materials to help protect them.
Avoid materials containing PVC, which can deteriorate and release chemicals that may damage metal objects over time.
If your medals are mounted together as a group, keep them together rather than dismantling the mounting.
4. Preserve Ribbons and Original Packaging
Original ribbons, clasps, boxes and other accessories can be important to a medal's history and collector appeal. Handle them carefully and avoid pulling, bending or attempting repairs.
If you have inherited medals alongside photographs, certificates or service documents, keep these items safe and make a note of how they relate to the collection.
5. Handle Medals Carefully
Handle medals with clean, dry hands and hold them by the edges where practical. Avoid touching delicate ribbons unnecessarily, and never force a medal out of a mount or case.
Taking clear photographs of the front and back can also help you keep a record of your collection's condition.
Could Your Medals Be Valuable?
Correct storage helps preserve your medals, but do you know what your collection could be worth?
Whether you have a single military medal, a group of First or Second World War medals, or a collection passed down through your family, Sell My Medals can help you take the next step towards understanding its potential value with a FREE valuation.
Visit our Free Valuations Page to find out more about having your medals assessed. Add Clear photographs and any information you have about the original recipient can be a useful help to our specialist medal valuers.
Before you sell, store your medals carefully and get them assessed. You may have more than you realise.