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Where to Sell Medals in the UK: How to Maximise Value at Auction - image

Where to Sell Medals in the UK: How to Maximise Value at Auction

Published on: 7th August 2026

Where to Sell Medals in the UK: How to Maximise Value at Auction

If you have inherited a military medal collection or want to sell a valuable heirloom, finding the right venue to sell is critical to securing its true market value. At T&T Auctions, we help sellers across the UK reach international collectors and achieve peak competitive prices through specialist public auctions. You can request a free, no-obligation medal valuation today from our specialist valuers.

Case Study: How T&T Auctions Achieved £4,050 for Lot 150

A recent highlight from our July 30th auction illustrates exactly why specialist marketing and competitive bidding deliver superior results compared to flat private offers.


REAL-WORLD AUCTION RESULT: LOT 150                                         
Recipient: Brigadier Hugh Vivian Combe, D.S.O., M.C.                        
Hammer Price Realised: £4,050                                              
Highlights: 11-Medal Group, DSO, MC, Foreign Gallantry & Royal Provenance

Lot 150 featured an exceptional eleven-medal group awarded to Brigadier Hugh Vivian Combe, D.S.O., M.C., a highly decorated officer whose career spanned both World Wars and culminated in his service as Additional Aide-de-Camp to King George VI.

Key Elements That Drove the Final £4,050 Price:

  • Multiple Gallantry Awards: Led by the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and Military Cross (MC) (gazetted in May 1916 for conspicuous gallantry under heavy fire), along with a Mention in Despatches.

  • Rare Foreign Decoration: Included the Kingdom of Italy Bronze Medal for Military Valour, an uncommon foreign award bestowed upon British officers in WWI.

  • Royal Connection & Service: Commemorated his 1943 appointment as Aide-de-Camp to King George VI, his rank as Brigadier, and the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal.

  • Complete Provenance: Accompanied by original named storage boxes, miniature dress medals, ribbon bar, British Red Cross War Service Medal, and extensive archival research (including London Gazette entries).

  • Global Auction Exposure: Offered online via platforms including EasyLive Auction, allowing militaria collectors and institutions worldwide to bid competitively in real time.

 

Top UK Medal Collections Worth Significant Money

Certain categories consistently command high prices from international militaria collectors and research enthusiasts:

  • Gallantry Medals: Awards given for bravery—such as the Victoria Cross (VC), Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), Military Cross (MC), and Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)—remain among the most sought-after militaria items in the world.

  • Historical Campaign Medals: Medals from 19th-century conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo, Peninsula War, Crimean War, and Indian Mutiny, attract strong competitive bidding.

  • Complete Intact Medal Groups: A set of medals awarded to a single individual preserves their complete service trajectory and commands a higher price than separated medals.

  • First and Second World War Collections: Groups tied to iconic units, elite squadrons (e.g., RAF Bomber Command), or famous historic operations regularly achieve high premiums.

Take a look at our 

Things to Look Out For Before Selling

Before listing or accepting an initial offer, consider these critical factors that drive medal valuations:

Factor What Collectors Look For Impact on Value
Naming & Inscriptions Recipient's name, rank, regiment, or service number on the rim Named medals allow historical research, significantly boosting value.
Provenance & Documentation Service logbooks, letters, certificates, and wartime photographs Original paperwork brings human story to life, driving higher bids.
Condition & Originality Original ribbons, intact clasps/bars, and uncleaned patina Harsh chemical cleaning can damage surfaces and reduce collector appeal.
Rarity & Action History Verification of specific acts of bravery or historic battles Rare campaign clasps or confirmed heroic actions multiply interest.

Current Trends in the Medal Market

  • Deep Research Driving Value: Digital archives allow specialists to trace recipient service records rapidly. Uncovering recipient stories often adds substantial value before sale.

  • Strong Global Demand: International buyers are actively seeking British military history, making worldwide auction exposure essential for top hammer prices.

  • Desire for Complete Family Sets: Collectors prefer purchasing complete family groupings rather than piecemeal items.

Why Selling at Auction is Superior to Private Dealers

When you sell directly to a dealer or private buyer, they must buy below market value to ensure their own reselling profit.

By contrast, selling through a specialist auction house like T&T Auctions puts buyers in direct competition with one another.

  1. Competitive Bidding: Auction creates dynamic bidding wars between worldwide collectors, driving final hammer prices well above flat private offers.

  2. Specialist Cataloguing: Expert cataloguing highlights historical significance, ensuring buyers understand the full value of what they are bidding on.

  3. Transparency: As auctioneers, T&T Auctions acts as your agent to achieve the highest price possible.

Get Your Free Medal Valuation Today

If you are asking "Where can I sell my medals for the best price?", start with expert guidance. Contact T&T Auctions today to get a honest, confidential, and professional valuation:

  • Website: Visit Contact to submit details and photos online.

  • Phone: Call our specialist team on 01892 529898.

Published on: 7th August 2026

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