How much is a Medal of Honor worth?

How much is a Medal of Honor worth? While the physical medal itself has minimal monetary value, typically worth only a few hundred dollars in materials, the Medal of Honor represents something far more precious—the highest recognition for extraordinary valor in military service.

The Physical Value vs. True Worth

The Medal of Honor is crafted from bronze, gold plating, and silk ribbon, giving it an intrinsic material value of approximately $200-$300. However, this figure drastically underrepresents its actual significance and legal protections.

Legal Protections and Sale Restrictions

Under federal law, specifically the Stolen Valor Act, selling a Medal of Honor is illegal and punishable by fines and imprisonment. This legislation protects the integrity of military decorations and prevents unauthorized individuals from profiting from these sacred symbols of service.

Benefits for Recipients

Financial Benefits

Medal of Honor recipients receive substantial lifetime benefits including:

- Monthly pension of $1,406.73 (as of 2023)

- Priority access to VA medical care

- Free military air transportation when space is available

- Burial benefits at Arlington National Cemetery

Intangible Recognition

Beyond monetary value, recipients receive:

- Salutes from all military personnel, regardless of rank

- Invitations to presidential inaugurations

- Lifetime recognition as American heroes

Historical Auction Values

In rare instances where medals have legally changed hands (typically through estate sales or with proper documentation), they have sold for $25,000 to over $384,000 at auction, depending on the recipient's historical significance and the medal's provenance.

The Medal of Honor's true worth transcends any price tag, representing the ultimate sacrifice and heroism in service to our nation. To learn more about specific recipients and their extraordinary stories of valor, explore the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's comprehensive database.