Sell My Medal Collection: A UK Valuation Guide

How Do I Sell My Medal Collection?

If you want to sell a medal collection, the first step is understanding what you have. A group of inherited military medals, a carefully preserved set of campaign awards and a collection of historical or commemorative medals can require different approaches.

Before accepting an offer or listing individual medals, consider getting the collection assessed. Identifying the awards, examining their condition and understanding their history can help you make a more informed decision about how to sell.

Where Is the Best Place to Sell a Medal Collection?

There is no single best selling method for every collection. Your options depend on the medals you own, their historical significance, their likely value, how quickly you want to sell and how involved you want to be in the process.

1. Specialist medal and militaria auctions

Specialist auctions bring medals to the attention of collectors interested in particular campaigns, regiments, awards or periods of history. Competitive bidding can influence the final result, but prices are never guaranteed. Check commission, seller fees, reserves, payment terms and the expected timetable before consigning your collection.

2. Specialist medal dealers

A specialist dealer may offer a direct purchase, which can be useful if you prefer a straightforward transaction. Offers can differ from estimated auction values because dealers account for their costs, resale risks and margins. Compare like-for-like offers and make sure you understand what is included.

3. Online marketplaces

Selling medals individually online gives you control over listings, but requires accurate descriptions, suitable photographs, pricing research, secure delivery and time to manage buyers. If you cannot confidently identify a medal or verify its history, seek advice before making claims about its rarity or significance.

4. Selling a complete collection

Selling a collection as a group may save time compared with listing every medal separately. However, some collections contain individual awards or groups that warrant particular attention. An assessment can help you understand whether a single sale or a more selective approach is worth considering.

To understand how our service works, visit the medal valuation and selling page.

What Determines the Value of a Medal Collection?

The number of medals in a collection does not, by itself, determine its value. A small group of historically significant awards may attract more interest than a much larger collection of common commemorative medals. The main factors include the following.

Which Medals Should I Look for in My Collection?

These categories are worth identifying when preparing a collection for assessment. Their presence does not guarantee a high valuation: the exact award, condition, history and demand still matter.

How to Photograph Medals for an Online Valuation

You do not need to identify every medal before requesting an initial assessment. Useful photographs and a brief description can help a specialist understand the size and nature of your collection.

• Photograph the front and back of representative medals in good, even light.
• Keep inscriptions, dates, ribbons, clasps and other identifying details in focus.
• Include photographs of medal groups, boxes, certificates, service records and original packaging.
• Avoid polishing, cleaning or otherwise altering medals before assessment.
• If the collection is large, start with overview photographs and a few clear close-ups.

If you have a large collection, you can begin with a few overview images rather than photographing every medal individually. Include close-ups of inscriptions and identifying details, and follow the submission instructions on the valuation form.

Selling an Inherited Medal Collection

If you have inherited medals, it is perfectly reasonable not to know what they are or whether they have significant value. Family collections can contain military campaign medals, gallantry awards, service medals and commemorative pieces, sometimes with paperwork that has been kept for generations.

Keep medals together where possible, and retain accompanying notes, photographs, service records, certificates, boxes and original packaging. Avoid polishing medals or discarding documents before they have been assessed. These items can provide useful context about a recipient and the history of a collection.

Take your time comparing the available selling methods. Ask how a valuation was reached, whether any charges apply, and what would happen next if you decide to sell.

What Happens After I Request a Valuation?

1. Submit details: provide a description and photographs using the valuation form.
2. Initial review: the available information can be reviewed to identify medals or groups that may warrant further assessment.
3. Discuss your options: clarify any recommended next steps, relevant fees and selling terms.
4. Decide whether to proceed: review the information before agreeing to sell.

An initial online assessment is not necessarily a final valuation or a guaranteed sale price. The next steps depend on the medals, the information available and the service offered for your collection.

You can also review previously sold medal collections for additional context. Remember that past results do not guarantee what another medal or collection will achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Medal Collections