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+--- Thread: Prices/Value Discussion. (/Thread-Prices-Value-Discussion)
Prices/Value Discussion. - CtahhR - 02-09-2013
"Value" is whatever you can afford.
Prices/Value Discussion. - Greg Collins - 02-10-2013
Rua,
There are two basic values that virtually any metal collectable will have:
a. smelt value- what the metal object is worth based on the metal of which it is made, and
b. collector value- a much more complicated value based on what the object represents, whether that particular object is currently in demand, the condition of the object vs the object's desirability and the objects "provenance" (documentation, research, accompanying photos, etc.). The collector value is nearly always higher than the smelt value.
An example I always used to illustrate what I've just said is: Take a look at an Order of the October Revolution, Type 1... second highest order of the USSR... silver with gold plating and hot enamel... pretty enough. You can probably own one for around $500.
Now, take a look at a Medal for the Defense of Odessa... nice enough medal, but no enamel-work, no silver... just gold plated bronze (most of the gold will be long gone by now). Will probably cost you at least $650 to $700 to own (seen them for as much as $850). With document- double the price.
So, who decides these prices? We do... by "plunking" our money down, we establish the new price for each item we collect. We decide what is more, and less, popular (and hence more expensive) at any given time. And, more or less like the stock market, prices on items in your collection will go up and down at times. Which leads me to this opinion- don't get involved in faleristics if your interest is in making money... much better ways to do that. Get into faleristics because you enjoy it.
Prices/Value Discussion. - desantnik - 02-10-2013
OK, well finding the items in question will be the first hardest part. Even having all the cash on hand, which is significant will not necessarily promise results. For example, in 20+ years of collecting I think I've only personally encountered 4-5 border Glories. I know the locales of a few of them, but even throwing money at the holders probably won't wrestle them free. As Ctahhr hinted, "value" is a relative term.
I'm not trying to be snide, just warning you ahead of time that your hunt will be long and hard and closing on any deal may be costly...
Instead, depending on your interests and wallet, there are plenty of low-level awards from interesting battles or activities that can scratch your itch more than the mere collecting rarity factor - good hunting!
Prices/Value Discussion. - CtahhR - 02-10-2013
I've always found that time is the greatest asset when purchasing. You can wait months or years and be offered something for nothing or you can get something this minute and pay well over the odds.
Depends when you need to be gratified.
Prices/Value Discussion. - Rua - 02-10-2013
hello all
thanks for your input and advise. I collect not to make profit, but to enjoy the history behind the medals and orders. what I was looking for is a guide price on the items I mentioned as a buyer so I can have a idea on what a good price would be. Maybe I will list the items again and if someone can add guide prices would be appreciated:
- HSU
- order of Lenin suspension
- order of the red banner screw back
- order of red banner suspension
- OGPW I WW2 issue
- OGPW II WW2 issue
- order of the red star
- order of glory 1st class
- order of glory 2nd class type boarder reverse
- order of glory 2nd class
- order of glory 2nd class type boarder reverse
- order of glory 2nd class
- medal of courage
thanks in advance
Rua
Prices/Value Discussion. - Lapa - 02-10-2013
Rua,
Here is my opinion (helmet and flak jacket on
):- HSU: from $6,000
- order of Lenin suspension (most common type): from $1,800
- order of the red banner screw back: from $700
- order of red banner suspension: from $150
- OGPW I WW2 issue: from $400
- OGPW II WW2 issue: from $80
- order of the red star: from $50
- order of glory 1st class: from $5,000
- order of glory 2nd class type border reverse: from $12,000
- order of glory 2nd class: from $350
- order of glory 3nd class type border reverse: from $15,000
- order of glory 3nd class: from $50
- medal of courage: from $25
Marc
Prices/Value Discussion. - Rua - 02-10-2013
hello Marc
thank you for you feedback as it gives me a good guide to bases any future purchases
thank you
Rua
Prices/Value Discussion. - Tommy - 02-10-2013
I think Marcs prices are accurate, but if you're mainly shopping on the e-channel, expect for prices to be a lot higher and for lots of fakes.
Learn with the cheap bits first like Bravery Medals
. They're fairly liquid should you decide you want to get out of the game and they won't cost you the earth.Another thing to remember is that a 2.6 million numbered Bravery medal awarded to a "grunt" was just as important as one awarded to a HSU
.Oh, and if anyone has any Red Banners going for around the $150 then let me know
Prices/Value Discussion. - Bill Garvy - 02-10-2013
[SIZE="3"]I agree, Marc's prices are an accurate baseline given current market conditions. That being said, I would like to add and confine my remarks to one award specifically, the Order of the Red Star, but I think a similar process is applicable to them all generally. This may, perhaps, refine our thoughtful discussion.
I think there is great disparity in the market place between a researched and documented three digit Goznak Red Star ($25,000+ at auction) for instance, or four digit Mondvor ($1500+) for that matter, with documentation, i.e. Order Book, research, and so on, than a Red Star in say the 2.8xx.xxx range that is unresearchable ($50-$60 based on condition of enamel). Market values appear hierarchial based on type, variation, research, type of research documentation, such as that awarded to an heroic telephone operator versus an "ace" Sturmovik pilot, in determining value to a collector, in my opinion.[/SIZE]
Prices/Value Discussion. - Lapa - 02-10-2013
Bill,
I'll take a bucket of your Goznak ORS at that price
Marc