Investing in Soviet medals - weighing pro's & cons.

**Koba64** · 03-21-2009, 01:25 PM

Hello there, would it be fair to say that Soviet medals and awards represent a sound investment opportunity in the current climate?
I'm aware that this question is rather broad and there are many caveats attached to it.
I'm mulling over, for example, a platinum coin from the Royal Mint on the one hand and maybe an Order of the Red Banner type 2 variation 2 and undertaking the research myself.
One investment is safe and sound and comes in a box, my wifes choice, the other would be a marvelous project yet be a step into the relative unknown, my choice.
Any thoughts you gentlemen have on this matter and would like to share with me would be most gratefully appreciated.
Regards.
Mike

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 03-21-2009 01:25 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Komandir RKKA** · 03-21-2009, 01:48 PM

"Ask your woman opinion and do on the contrary"

**Adrian Stevenson** · 03-21-2009, 02:12 PM

Hi Mike, speaking personally I would never buy militaria as an investment. OK, it is a nice thought to think that an item has risen in value, but my problem is I never sell anything and will die owning it all anyway.

Things are only worth something in my eyes if you ever come to sell them. I buy purely for my own enjoyment and the history behind the object.

Looking at your situation, I would go for the Order of the Red Banner. Reason being I am certain it will give you many months or indeed years of pleasure owning it and a big thrill doing the research. Finding out who won the award will be a really satisfying experience. What price can you put on that?

The coin would leave me totally cold. No history and just a modern thing made for "investor collectors".

Cheers, Ade.

**Koba64** · 03-21-2009, 02:21 PM

Ahh, I should have pointed out that the money is hers...

**Adrian Stevenson** · 03-21-2009, 02:29 PM

Hi Mike, now that puts a different complexion on things

Cheers, Ade.

**Koba64** · 03-21-2009, 02:32 PM

I'm with you on everything there Ade, apart from the thought that I would be prepared to part from the investment. I would most likely only ever be a temporary custodian of any award or medal.
The enjoyment of the research is a huge drawcard for me, the other coinage doesn't offer anything aside from safety.

I watched the progress of the Sixbid auction recently and saw that most items realized more than their estimates. I found this encouraging.

I've been driven at the moment by a pair of nearly identical Order of Glory medals on a well known site, one has researched provenance the other not, the difference is $1000.

Food for thought eh?

**Dimas** · 03-21-2009, 03:23 PM

I think, it's a good idea, but wait a bit, the market for militaria is too quite at the moment, and that is a good possibility to catch a nice item!

**Nick VR** · 03-21-2009, 05:21 PM

Hi Koba64

I thought of this myself many times. Personally if you are buying for investment reasons I would go for orders of the Red Star and orders of the Great Patriotic War. They look great and are very collectable...

Greetz

Nick VR

**Dimas** · 03-21-2009, 06:08 PM

Personally I like the Red Banner and Lenin orders, I remember the time when the first was at the price of 10 usd and lenin 80-100 USD. I prefer screwbacks orders but it's hard to get now, most awesome for me the orders from German veterans, due of full of history and 100% SEEN BATTLE PIECES.