Introduction
Whether you’ve inherited medals from a relative or found them at a car boot sale, you probably want to know what they’re worth. The value of military medals varies enormously — from a few pounds for common campaign medals to tens of thousands for rare gallantry awards. This guide explains the key factors that determine medal values.
What Affects Medal Value?
1. The Medal Itself
The type of medal is the starting point for valuation. British medals fall into several categories:
- Campaign medals — Awarded for service in a particular campaign or war. The British War Medal and Victory Medal from WW1 are the most common, with over 6 million issued each
- Long service medals — Given for extended military service. Values vary widely depending on the branch and era
- Gallantry awards — Medals for bravery in action. These are usually the most valuable. A Military Cross from WW1 might fetch £500-1,500, while a Victoria Cross can sell for £200,000+
- Coronation and jubilee medals — Commemorative medals issued to serving personnel. Generally modest in value unless named
2. The Naming
This is crucial. British campaign medals from WW1 onwards are typically engraved or impressed with the recipient’s name, number, rank, and unit. A named medal is worth significantly more than an unnamed one because it can be researched.
The more interesting the story behind the medal — an unusual unit, a notable action, or a casualty — the higher the value. A standard British War Medal to a private in the Army Service Corps might be worth £20-30. The same medal to a soldier killed on the first day of the Somme could be worth £150+.
3. The Group
Medals that remain together as a group (the full set of medals awarded to one person) are worth considerably more than individual medals. Never separate a medal group — you’ll destroy most of the value.
A typical WW1 trio (1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal) to a private soldier might be worth £80-120 as a group. Individually, the same medals might fetch £15-20 each.
4. Condition
Unlike coins, military medals in “worn” condition are not necessarily less valuable — a medal that was clearly worn on a tunic has provenance. However, medals that have been polished, damaged, or had their naming erased are worth less than those in original condition.
Common Medal Values (Approximate, 2026)
| Medal | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WW1 Trio (1914-15 Star, BWM, VM) | £60-150 | To infantry private. Higher for named to casualties |
| WW1 Pair (BWM + VM) | £30-80 | Common combination |
| WW2 Group (1939-45 Star, etc.) | £40-120 | Named groups worth more. Most WW2 medals unnamed |
| General Service Medal (GSM) | £40-200+ | Value depends on clasp |
| Military Medal (MM) | £400-1,500 | WW1 other ranks gallantry |
| Military Cross (MC) | £500-2,000 | WW1 officers gallantry |
| Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) | £800-3,000 | Second only to VC for other ranks |
| Victoria Cross (VC) | £150,000-400,000+ | Extremely rare. Under 1,400 ever awarded |
How to Research Your Medals
If your medals are named, you can research the recipient:
- WW1 — Service records are held at The National Archives (Kew). Medal index cards are available free online at the National Archives website
- WW2 — Service records for WW2 personnel are still held by the Ministry of Defence for living veterans, or available through the National Archives for deceased soldiers
- Regimental museums — Many regimental museums hold war diaries, nominal rolls, and can help identify your medal recipient’s story
A well-researched medal — with the soldier’s story, a photograph, or documents — is worth considerably more than an unresearched one.
Where to Sell Military Medals
If you’re looking to sell, you have several options:
- Specialist dealers — Like ourselves at Tenniswood Militaria. We buy medals and can provide valuations
- Auction houses — DNW (Dix Noonan Webb) and Spink are the main UK medal auction houses
- Militaria fairs — Regular fairs across the UK where dealers and collectors gather
- Online — eBay has a large medal section, but beware of fakes and research the going rate before listing
A Word of Caution
The militaria market has its share of fakes and reproductions. If you think you have something valuable, get a professional opinion before selling. And never clean or polish a medal — it’s the quickest way to reduce its value.
Browse our medal collection to see current examples with prices, or explore our History Hub for more in-depth medal guides.