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Collecting WW2 Medals, Awards & Badges: Where to Start, What to Collect

Many people choose to collect a particular set of military medals and awards. Amongst the most popular choices is medals from the Second World War (WW2). The reasons vary. Many have relatives that fought in the war. Others value the stories of heroism behind the medals.

Whatever the case, a lot of World War II medals are remade in large numbers, which makes them easier to find today. If you’re thinking of starting a WW2 medals and award collection, we have gathered some information that might come useful.

What are the Most Popular WW2 Campaign Medals?

There are several medals from the World War II period that are particularly popular with collectors. For those new to the hobby, campaign medals are preferred, because of their larger numbers.

The most popular British WW2 medals include the 1939–1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, and the Defence Medal. From the United States, the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War I Victory Medal, among others.

Other collectable allied medals include the Russian/USSR Medal for the Capture of Berlin, Medal for the Defence of Leningrad, or the French 1939–1945 Commemorative War Medal. In general, medals such as the 1939-1945 Star and the War Medal were issued to a huge number of servicemen and are therefore not hugely valuable in terms of money. That doesn’t mean, however, that they are not sought after. Because of their lower price and larger numbers, they are the perfect starting point for a new collector.

Campaign Medals of the Allies

The Medal for the Defense of Leningrad

The Inter Allied Victory Medal (United States)

The War Cross 1939-1945

American Medals and Awards: American Defense Service Medal

The American Defense Service Medal

The War Medal 1939-1945

The 1939-1945 Star

Popular Collections: British Campaign Stars

The British Government issued eleven campaign medals for participation in WW2, nine of which are campaign stars. These stars constitute a great collection, because these medals are relatively easy to find.

The British Campaign Stars were issued between 1939 and 1945 and were awarded for participation in the war. For example, the Air Crew Europe Star was awarded for two months of operational flying. The Artic Star commemorates the Arctic convoys to northern Russia. The Burma Star was awarded for one day or more of operational service during the Burma campaign. And the France and Germany Star was given for operational service in France,, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg or Germany between D-Day and the surrender of Germany.

The Pacific Star

The Italy Star

The France and Germany Star

The Burma Star

The Atlantic Star

The Arctic Star

The Air Crew Europe Star

The Africa Star

German Medals & Militaria Collections

German medals (from the Interwar and WW2 period) are usually more pricey and difficult to find than American, French, or British medals. The price of German World War II medals can range from $30 to $200,000, depending on the condition and the importance of the individual who owned the item originally. Contrary to non-collectors’ assumptions, the buyers of these objects include university professors, museums, and people who want to preserve this kind of material for future generations and to learn from it. One problem to keep in mind when choosing to collect German medals and awards is that there are a lot of reproductions and fake insignia. Trustworthy information on the authenticity of army paraphernalia can be found on this website.