Discovering military medals at home can be surprising and emotional. They may be tucked away in a drawer, hidden in an attic, or found among old family belongings. Whether the medals belonged to a relative or came with a house or estate, many people are unsure what to do next.
This guide explains what military medals found at home mean, how to identify them, and the best steps to take to preserve their history and value.
Why Military Medals Are Often Found at Home
Military medals are commonly discovered during:
- House moves or renovations
- Estate clearances
- Inherited personal effects
- Family research projects
Many veterans stored medals privately and never displayed them. Others passed away without explaining their significance, leaving families to rediscover them years later.
Finding medals at home is far more common than people realize.
First Step: Handle Medals Carefully
Before doing anything else, protect the medals from damage.
Handling Tips:
- Avoid cleaning or polishing
- Handle with clean, dry hands or gloves
- Keep medals away from moisture
- Store flat on a soft surface
Cleaning medals can permanently reduce their historical and monetary value.
Identify What You Have Found
Correct identification is essential.
Look closely at:
- Medal design and symbols
- Ribbon colors and patterns
- Size and metal type
- Any clasps, bars, or devices
- Country markings
Photograph the medals clearly from front, back, and edge. These images will be valuable for research or expert identification.
Check for Names or Engraving
Some medals include naming that can immediately identify the recipient.
Check:
- The edge or rim
- The reverse side
- The suspension bar
Names may include initials, rank, or service number. If present, record the information exactly as shown.
Understand That Many Medals Are Unnamed
Many military medals—especially from the 20th century—were issued unnamed by policy.
Common examples include:
- World War II campaign medals
- Service medals
- Certain foreign awards
An unnamed medal is not incomplete or suspicious. Identification simply requires deeper research.
Look for Supporting Items
Medals are often found alongside other valuable clues.
Search nearby for:
- Service papers
- Letters or postcards
- Photographs of uniforms
- Boxes or envelopes
- Discharge certificates
Even small details, such as unit names or dates, can help identify who earned the medals.
Determine If the Medals Are Original or Replicas
Not all medals found at home are original.
Original medals usually show:
- Natural aging or patina
- Period-correct materials
- Wear consistent with age
Replica medals are often:
- Brighter or lighter
- Modern in construction
- Used for display or replacement
Original medals carry historical and potential market value.
Research the History Behind the Medals
Once identified, research what the medals represent.
This may include:
- The conflict or campaign
- Eligibility requirements
- Service conditions
- Historical significance
Understanding the history adds meaning and context to what you have found.
Should You Have the Medals Valued?
Valuation is appropriate if:
- You are considering selling
- Insurance is required
- Medals appear rare
- Multiple medals form a group
Value depends on:
- Rarity
- Condition
- Demand
- Provenance
Avoid online price guesses without confirmation.
Deciding What to Do With Military Medals
There is no single “correct” choice.
Common options include:
- Keeping them as family heirlooms
- Displaying them properly
- Researching and documenting their history
- Donating to a museum or archive
- Selling to collectors or dealers
The best decision respects both historical significance and personal circumstances.
Preserving Military Medals Long-Term
If you keep the medals:
- Use archival-quality storage
- Avoid sunlight and humidity
- Store documents with the medals
- Keep records of research findings
Proper preservation ensures medals remain intact for future generations.
When to Seek Expert Help
Professional assistance can help when:
- Identification is unclear
- Medals appear rare or unusual
- Provenance matters
- You need documentation
Experts can confirm authenticity and provide guidance without risking damage.
Final Thoughts
Military medals found at home are more than decorative objects—they are physical links to service, sacrifice, and history. Whether they belonged to a family member or an unknown individual, taking the time to identify and preserve them honors their original purpose.
With careful handling and research, medals found at home can regain their story and significance.
