Ask first, and keep groups together
Medals carry meaning as well as value, so the first step is always a photo and a question, never a parcel. Send clear photos of the medals, both sides, any naming or engraving around the rim, and the ribbons. Keep a named group together and photograph it as it is. A group awarded to one person, with its original naming, can be worth more kept whole, and we will tell you honestly if that is the case.
If what you have is a war or campaign group rather than a commemorative or sporting medallion, the fuller guide is sell war medals and militaria. It covers how First World War rim naming is read, why unnamed Second World War British medals are base metal, what a memorial death plaque is worth, and our commitment never to melt a named or gallantry medal.
What we buy
- Campaign and service medals, single or as a full group
- Gallantry and long-service medals, named and unnamed
- Commemorative and coronation medals
- Gold and silver medallions, valued for their metal as well as any collector interest
- Sporting, prize and school medallions, and tokens
- Mixed lots and house-clearance finds of medals and odds and ends
How it works
- Ask first and send photos. Photograph both sides and any rim naming on WhatsApp for a plain indication. No charge, no obligation.
- Request a prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label. We send a free Royal Mail Special Delivery label, tracked and signed for, or a QR code for the counter.
- Post it when you are ready. Wrap medals so they cannot rub together, in any padded envelope.
- We assess them by hand. Each medal and medallion is reviewed individually. Where a piece is solid gold or silver, the metal is assessed too. You receive a written, no-obligation offer.
- Accept or decline. Accept and you are paid by bank transfer via Faster Payments. Decline and everything is returned free of charge by tracked, signed-for post.
How we value medals and medallions
Medals are valued by hand, by what they are, not by weight alone. Value depends on the type of medal, whether it is named and to whom, condition, completeness of a group, and collector demand. Gold and silver medallions also carry a metal value, which we assess using our in-house XRF analyser, on top of any collector interest. We cannot give a guaranteed figure before we see an item, which is why we start with photos and follow with a written offer. If a rare gallantry group would clearly do better at a specialist medal auction, we will say so rather than absorb it.
How your parcel travels
Your items travel on Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, fully tracked and signed for on delivery. Royal Mail cover may be available up to £2,500 depending on the postal method and cover level used. GoldPaid can confirm the appropriate postal option before you post. If your items may be worth more, message us first and we can split them across more than one prepaid label at no charge. See postage and cover for the full picture. If a parcel is lost on its way to us, the compensation claim goes to Royal Mail from you, the sender, using your Post Office receipt, and we give you our tracking records and help you make it. Lost parcels, step by step.
If the offer is not for you
Then nothing happens except a free return. We send your items back by tracked, signed-for post at our cost, with no fee for declining and no follow-up. A valuation is only worth having if you can turn it down freely, so you can. See what happens if I decline the offer.
The written offer is dated and holds for a limited time, because metal prices move. If it lapses before you decide, we re-run it against the live precious-metal market on the day, at no charge. You can also accept part of a parcel and decline the rest, with no minimum and no penalty for splitting it.
Who this helps
Families who have inherited a relative’s medals and want a fair, respectful valuation, people downsizing, and anyone sorting a house clearance who has found medals, medallions and tokens. A photo costs nothing and tells you where the value is.
Being paid
If you accept, we aim to pay by Faster Payments within one working hour of your acceptance, directly to your bank account. It is the last step, and a simple one.
Common questions
Do you buy war medals and military medals?
Yes. We buy campaign, service, long-service, gallantry and commemorative medals, single or as a group. Named groups are best kept together, as they can be worth more whole. Send a photo of both sides and any rim naming on WhatsApp and we will give you a plain indication.
Are my medals worth more as metal or to a collector?
It depends on the medal. Many medals are worth more to a collector than as metal, especially named groups and rarer awards. Gold and silver medallions carry a metal value as well. We assess each piece individually and tell you honestly where the value lies, including if a specialist auction would serve you better.
Where can I sell medals in the UK?
Specialist medal dealers, auction houses that hold dedicated medal sales, and postal buyers such as GoldPaid all buy medals. Named groups, gallantry awards and scarcer campaign medals usually do best with a medal specialist or auction, and we will say so if yours look like that. Gold and silver medallions, commemoratives and mixed lots can be sold by post. Send photos of both sides and any rim naming first.
Should I clean medals before selling?
No. Cleaning can reduce value. Leave medals exactly as they are, including original ribbons and patina, and send a photo. We will advise.
What if I decline the offer?
Your medals are returned to you free of charge by tracked, signed-for Royal Mail Special Delivery. There is no fee for declining and no follow-up pressure.
Not the question you had? The full GoldPaid FAQ covers the rest, from postal cover and ID checks to what happens if you decline the offer.
Speak to us before you post
Please send us photos on WhatsApp, and we will help you. We give a rough estimate where possible and arrange postage with you after our conversation. Your final offer follows inspection.