Vintage military medals hold a unique place in history, representing acts of bravery, sacrifice, and distinguished service. Collectors and enthusiasts are particularly drawn to these medals for their historical significance and the incredible stories behind them. This article delves into the top 12 most sought-after vintage military medals from around the world, highlighting their unique features, the valor they symbolize, and why they are highly prized by collectors. From the iconic Victoria Cross to the prestigious Medal of Honor, each medal on this list offers a glimpse into the extraordinary courage and dedication of those who served.
Victoria Cross (United Kingdom and Commonwealth)
The Victoria Cross, instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria, is the highest military decoration awarded for valor “in the face of the enemy” to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries. Its prestige stems from its extreme rarity and the acts of extraordinary bravery it represents. Crafted from bronze cannons captured during the Crimean War, each medal is unique, with the recipient’s name, regiment, and date of the act engraved on the reverse. The rarity and historical significance of the Victoria Cross make it highly desirable among collectors, with prices at auction often reaching £330,000 or more. Its distinguished heritage and the heroism it symbolizes ensure its place as the most sought-after military medal.
Medal of Honor (United States)
The Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest and most prestigious military decoration, awarded for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. Established during the American Civil War in 1861, it has three variations: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The medal’s design features a star-shaped pendant suspended from a light blue ribbon with white stars. Recipients are often celebrated as national heroes, adding to the medal’s desirability. Due to its profound significance and the valor it represents, the Medal of Honor is highly coveted by collectors, with examples occasionally appearing in the market valued at several hundred thousand dollars.
George Cross (United Kingdom)
Instituted in 1940 by King George VI, the George Cross is the second highest award of the United Kingdom honors system, awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. Unlike other military medals, it is also awarded to civilians, emphasizing its unique role in recognizing bravery outside the battlefield. The medal features a silver cross with St. George slaying the dragon at the center, and its reverse is inscribed with the recipient’s name and deed. The rarity and significance of the George Cross make it highly sought after, with values typically ranging from £20,000 to £40,000 depending on the recipient and provenance.
Iron Cross (Germany)
The Iron Cross, first instituted by King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1813, is a military decoration awarded for bravery in battle. It has several classes, with the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross being one of the most prestigious. The medal features a black iron core with a silver frame and the year of institution inscribed on the bottom arm. The Iron Cross’s historical significance, especially during both World Wars, and its association with notable military figures, make it a highly sought-after collectible. Prices for Iron Cross medals vary widely, with Knight’s Crosses fetching between €5,000 and €20,000 or more, depending on the recipient and condition.
Pour le Mérite (Germany)
Known as the “Blue Max,” the Pour le Mérite is Germany’s highest military order until the end of World War I. Instituted in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia, it was awarded for exceptional military merit. The medal features a blue-enameled Maltese cross with golden eagles between the arms. Its exclusivity and the distinguished individuals who received it, including famous World War I fighter aces like Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron), enhance its desirability. Collectors highly prize the Pour le Mérite, with values often exceeding €30,000 for genuine examples.
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (United Kingdom)
Introduced in 1993, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is a second-level military decoration awarded to members of the British Armed Forces for acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy. The medal features a silver cross with the royal cypher at the center and the words “For Gallantry” inscribed on the reverse. Its relatively recent introduction and the significant acts of bravery it represents make it highly sought after. Although rarer in the market, prices for the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross can reach up to £15,000, reflecting its prestige and the heroism it honors.
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army for extraordinary heroism. Established in 1918, the medal is a bronze cross with an eagle at the center and a scroll below inscribed with “For Valor.” Its historical significance, especially during major conflicts like World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, and the acts of valor it recognizes, make it highly valuable to collectors. Prices for the Distinguished Service Cross can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the recipient and provenance.
Order of the Patriotic War (Soviet Union)
The Order of the Patriotic War was established in 1942 during the Great Patriotic War (World War II) and awarded to Soviet soldiers for heroic deeds. The medal features a red enamel star with crossed hammer and sickle at the center. Its historical context and symbolism, particularly in celebrating Soviet resistance against Nazi Germany, make it a significant collectible. Prices for the Order of the Patriotic War can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the class and condition.
Military Cross (United Kingdom)
The Military Cross is awarded to officers and, since 1993, to other ranks of the British Armed Forces, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. Instituted in 1914, the medal is a silver cross with the royal cypher at the center and “For Gallantry in the Field” inscribed on the reverse. Its continued relevance and the bravery it represents make it highly collectible, with prices ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 depending on the recipient and provenance.
Royal Red Cross (Class I) (United Kingdom)
The Royal Red Cross is a military decoration awarded in the United Kingdom for exceptional services in military nursing. Class I, or the First Class, is a silver-gilt cross with a red enamel center bearing the effigy of the reigning monarch. Established in 1883 by Queen Victoria, it is a prestigious award recognizing the dedication and heroism of military nurses. Prices for the Royal Red Cross (Class I) can range from £1,500 to £5,000, depending on the recipient and condition.
George Medal (United Kingdom)
The George Medal, established in 1940 by King George VI, is awarded for acts of great bravery. It is the second highest civilian award for bravery, recognizing exceptional courage in non-military contexts. The medal features a portrait of the reigning monarch on the obverse and St. George slaying the dragon on the reverse. Its rarity and the acts of heroism it commemorates make it highly collectible, with prices ranging from £2,000 to £7,000.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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