12-03-2007, 04:30 PM
Though not as experienced as many collectors here, I believe I can offer some insight regarding condition vs value when it comes to ODM's.
For those medals, badges, etc. that do not have serial numbers: the piece that is in the better, original condition will be worth more than the piece of the same type/variant will be. Remember that any change to the original issue of the piece (resoldering, changing the mount or ribbon) will negatively affect the worth of the item.
For those ODM's that do have a serial number, and keeping the above in mind, the lower serial number (and, perhaps, earlier type/variant) of the same award will command the greater worth, even though the earlier piece may exhibit more evident normal wear-and-tear. So, say you have a Type 3, Variant 2 of the Red Banner of Labour with a dirty ribbon and slight crack in the enamel of the star and the same order in a Type 5, Variant 1 that is virtually mint... the Type 3 will be worth more. Now, if the Type 3 were completely trashed and, say, the serial number had been ground off, then the Type 5 would surpass it in value.
Also, and as with coins, the fewer made- the greater the value.
Hope this helps.
For those medals, badges, etc. that do not have serial numbers: the piece that is in the better, original condition will be worth more than the piece of the same type/variant will be. Remember that any change to the original issue of the piece (resoldering, changing the mount or ribbon) will negatively affect the worth of the item.
For those ODM's that do have a serial number, and keeping the above in mind, the lower serial number (and, perhaps, earlier type/variant) of the same award will command the greater worth, even though the earlier piece may exhibit more evident normal wear-and-tear. So, say you have a Type 3, Variant 2 of the Red Banner of Labour with a dirty ribbon and slight crack in the enamel of the star and the same order in a Type 5, Variant 1 that is virtually mint... the Type 3 will be worth more. Now, if the Type 3 were completely trashed and, say, the serial number had been ground off, then the Type 5 would surpass it in value.
Also, and as with coins, the fewer made- the greater the value.
Hope this helps.
"We are Marching for the Victory of Communist Labour"
V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin)
V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin)
