Coin vs. Medal ?

Hello ALL.... just want to know how y'all feel about purchasing coins versus medals. I realize that both have some similarity in metal compositions; however, do they actual have the same "monetary value"? Example is the American Silver Eagles <either gold or silver or platinum> versus the American Liberty Medals. As attractive as both are, do they have "equal" monetary value ? I appreciate your time posting your replies ! Wally

 

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Medals have no monetary value at all. They have an intrinsic metal value and they often have a collectible value. Monetary value is declared by the issuing govenment and usually bears no relationship to intrinsic or collectible value.

A good example is an proof ASE. It has a monetary value of $1, an intrinsic value of around $17, and a collectible value which can be much more.

 

Succinctly stated.

 

The problem one often encounters when trying to place a value on medals is that you won't find a comprehensive price list for most of them. Most medals are struck in bronze, copper, brass or white metal while fewer are struck in precious metals such as silver and gold. Consequently, the value placed on so many medals is determined more by such things as their artistic quality and/or their historical significance. But, like a coin listed at auction, the hammer price can be wildly affected by the number of people who want it.

Chris

 

Ive sold a medal or two, the only way to value it is take the intrinsic value+whatever you ask for it, and look if any have been sold by an auction firm

 

Both "intrinsic value" and "whatever you ask for it" are totally subjective and have no bearing on the true value. I've been collecting French and American medals for more than twenty years, and I've been surprised at the hammer prices of many more often than not.

Chris

 

Intrinsic value is not at all subjective: it is the value of the metal in it.

 

Do you consider the intrinsic value of a Renoir or Degas to be the value of the paint?

Chris

 

I would include the canvas also. But intrinsic value of a painting is not a concept which I have ever heard discuss.

 

Don't forget cardboard.
I've sold US MINT cardboard for $2k a pop before with an intrinsic value closer to Zero, but a high collectors value. The 2016, 2015, 2014 & 2013 ASE Congrats sets.

 

And, in all my years of collecting medals, the value of the metal composition has always taken a "back seat" to the artistic and/or historic value except in instances of mass production.

Chris

 

Great! In that case, send me some of those coins sans the cardboard and I will gladly pay the cost of shipping and insurance.

Chris

 

Absolutely. I totally agree. That's why they all have collectible/numismatic value as well as intrinsic value.

 

don't forget "handling" ... "Shipping & Handling".
I charge enormous amounts $$$ for Handling of coin and packaging material. It's just cheaper to buy the coins with the cardboard from third parties than me shipping just the coins to you.

 

Handling? No way am I going to pay for your fingerprints all over the coins. Cancel my order!

Chris

 

To play Devil's Advocate, the intrinsic value is the value obtained using objective measures. For metal objects, this would be the melt value. JMHO

 

So, what would be the intrinsic value of this 1928 bronze medal?

 

About a buck a pound, how much does it weigh?

 

I'll assume that you were just kidding because that answer is a joke.

What about this 1876 copper medal that is 76mm x 9mm thick?

 

Honestly not trying to be arguementative, but as far as I know, intrinsic value has to do with the value of the material the object is made from. Bronze goes for a buck a pound no matter what form it is in...here's my aes rude, same answer as any coin shaped object.