Thursday, June 24, 2010

How Can You Tell If a Medal Is Really Vintage?

Good question!  I've been fooled a few times, but now that I've been selling vintage religious medals for a few years, I think I'm wise to the ways of telling if a medal is old or not.  Please keep in mind that there are ALWAYS exceptions to everything I'm going to say here!  I've found some beautiful vintage medals that are in mint condition and I've found some new medals that look like they've been through the wringer.  These are just some basic guidelines that I use when looking for vintage religious medals....

Patina
The first thing to look at is the patina.  Is it tarnished? Not necessarily black, but does it look like the surface patina has built up over time?  A true old patina will be darker in the crevices and low spots on the medal than it is on the high spots.  The words and image on the medal will be lighter than the background because they have been rubbed clean by being touched, while tarnish has been building up in the lower areas without being disturbed.

This newer medal of Pope John Paul II shows the typical lack of patina found on newer medals.  No place is really darker than the other.  On the St Anthony medal, there is a patina around the figure that gently blends into the background.  This type of delicate patina is very hard to duplicate and is typically found in older medals.  A patina that has been added to make a medal look old tends to have sharper edges and the raised areals will be shiny where the added patina has been rubbed off.  You hardly ever see this, but it could happen.

Artistic Style
What is the artistic style of the image?  Early 20th century medals have beautiful, delicate flowing lines and remarkable detail.  Medals from the 1930's into the 1940's frequently have an art deco touch.  19th century medals might have images that look a little cruder and less refined.  19th century medals are also sometimes thinner and more delicate than  later medals.


Look at St Catherine of Siena above on the left, now look at St Agnes above on the right.  Big difference, yes?  St Catherine is depicted in a simpler style and the medal is much thinner.  St Agnes is dramatic and detailed and the medal is thicker.  And on the immediate left is St Rita done in art deco style which can be recognized by its repeated geometric shapes and patterns. 
Wear
Is the image crisp and clear or has it been smoothed over time?  An old medal that has been worn will usually have the fine detail rubbed smooth from being handled by previous owners.  If it's silver plate, the brass colored base metal might show through the worn places.  This is not always the case, and there are ways of casting new medals from molds made with vintage medals, but it's usually a good sign to show that a medal is old.
The image of the Virgin Mary from this 19th century Miraculous Medal has had the detail rubbed off over time.  This softened effect really adds to the beauty of vintage medals.

Image on both sides?
Is there an image on both the front of the medal and the back?  Newer medals almost always only have an image on the front and a smooth or slightly textured surface on the back.  Many (but not all!) vintage medals have images on both sides.  If the medal shows a saint who was a martyr, the reverse might show a palm branch.  If it shows a saint who was known for purity, there may be a spray of lilies on the back.  Often there will be saints who are connected in some way on both sides.  St John Vianey usually has St Philomena on the reverse because he had a special devotion to St Philomena during his lifetime.  St Francis of Assisi will frequently have St Clare on the reverse because they were good friends, and St Clare started a community based on St Francis's religious order.

Shape
What is the shape of the medal?  I frequently see oval, base-metal medals of saints being sold as "vintage".  And yes, they might be old, but they're not really collectible or considered vintage because they can still be purchased at lots of places today.  As my grandmother would say "They're a dime a dozen!"
Vintage medals are frequently circular or oval, but also can have delicate lace-like edges, figural depictions, and other unusual shapes.  The rarity of the shape makes it more likely to be a vintage medal.

From whom are you buying?
Is it someone who has experience in exonumia?  (I'm showing off my vocabulary - exonumia is "numismatic items that that are not coins or paper money."  Things like medals, tokens, tags, or badges) (OK, what is a "numismatics"? Numismatics is the study or collection of currency - both coins and paper money.)
What was I saying? Oh, whom are you buying from... If you're buying from the sweet nun who's selling her old, tarnished, and unusual religious medals to raise money for charity, it's a pretty good bet that they're vintage.  You know that medal's "provenance" - where it came from and who owned it - it's story.  If you're buying from "Crazy Joe's Exonumia" on Ebay - well, I'd take a good look at the photo before I bid.  It might be vintage - it might not.

I really don't think many people out there purposely try to pass off new medals for vintage.  But I know that there are a lot of people out there who think that they have vintage medals but really don't.  It's an honest mistake, and I'm hoping this post will help people know what they really have.

I'm sure that once I post this, I'll think of a couple of other clues that I use to figure out the age of a medal, but this is a good start for any medal collector.  Please let me know if you have any questions of suggestions about dating vintage medals.  Everyone loves to learn more!

55 comments:

  1. Great post! I just bought some Joan of Arc medals on eBay that were supposedly rare and vintage. Indeed, they were wonderful designs not often seen. My first clue was that some had smoothed hallmarks but the medal did not test silver. Then I saw the seller had multiples of the same "rare and vintage" medals, and it was clear they were antiqued reproductions. The seller had a "no return" policy and is still not convinced they are reproductions, so it's just another example of "buyer beware." Thanks for the post!

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  2. I'm so glad that my post helped you! I'm pretty sure I know which seller you're talking about. He has lovely medals that are listed as vintage, but shows about 10 of each one that are identical! Not that you can't find more than one of a particular medal, but finding that many is not very likely and a good clue that what you're buying might not be vintage.

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  3. Thank you for this informative post!

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  4. What a nice blog! I, too, love all things vintage Catholic! I only have a few vintage medals, but treasure them! It's so nice to see some vintage medals here. Ironically, I have named my house Rosa Mystica cottage! Nice to stop in. :)

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  5. Hello! I like the St. Catherine of Siena medal on this blog. I need to buy one like this. Do you sell these?
    Thanks!

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  6. My dad passed away last year at 86 yrs old. He served in WWII. My cousin just found his dog tag and 4 Way Cross that he wore together in the war. He fought in Iwa Jima......the cross is a very unusual shape, almost triangular, but soft rounded edges and splits in two almost like a lockett. Would you have any information on it or direct me to a site? I am trying to find out how old it is. Any suggestions or info would be appreciated....Mitzi

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  7. I metal detected a religious medal. The face has St Anthony, while the reverse reads ST. ANTHONY PLEASE PRAY FOR US. The face of the medal has traces of silver wash. The medal is circular with an ornate border. Probably measures 3/4" x 3/4". Any ideas of how old this medal is?

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  8. i have medals beato egidio maria disan maria giuseppe da taronto, beatificato papa leone xiii, 5 februari 1888, i,am from indonesia, i want to sell, my email ekohermanto299@gmail.com

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  9. i have medals beato egidio maria disan maria giuseppe da taronto, beatificato papa leone xiii, 5 februari 1888, i,am from indonesia, i want to sell, my email ekohermanto299@gmail.com

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  10. I have a medal ILLUMINA DOMINE VULTUM TUUM SUPER NOS inscribed on it it sized 50 mm wide 3mm thick and about 60grms
    Want to sell it. Please give your mail id or mail me at friendtoshare@gmail.com

    I will send you the images

    Regards
    Francis

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  11. Can anyone help me identify a religious medal I have? It shows water, there are bodies in the water and a larger face with a King's crown, on the back it is marked Italy with laurel in a circle around the medal. Thank you!

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  12. I have an old medal I found on the ground of Mary praying
    on one side an Jesus on the other side. It is so worn out
    you can only read mercy on one side and prayer on other.

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  13. My aunt just gave me a very interesting medal that had belonged to my grandmother who was born in 1907. We think that her grandmother had given it to her before she immigrated to the US in 1913. I've never seen anything like it. It has what looks like the Virgin Mary in a tree with 2 angels above her - almost looks like 3 children on one side and a church on the other -Fatima? but then our timing is off. on the back there's a bishop and an angel - it is very thin and looks bronze - not silver. Any helpin figuring this out? thanks!

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  14. I have an oddity!! I've found a miraculous medal that APPEARS to be stamped 1820?? If I squint just so, I can almost decide that the 2 is a backwards 3.... this one also has what looks like gems on the front side -7 red along each side of the outer edge (14 total) and a tiny green ish one between the e's of the word 'thee'
    Can you give me any insight?

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    Replies
    1. The Miraculous medals will have a date of "1830' which was the year of St. Catherine Laboure's apparitions.

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    2. I have a similar situation with an 1820 dated medal. I found a Miraculous Medal while metal detecting. I believe it is vintage, as it is floral shaped, ornate, and nicely toned (I think it is thin silver). My medal has the image of Mother Mary with the rays coming from her fingers, and the quote is in French. The date is shown as 1820, which confuses me, as I know these medals typically show 1830. If anyone has any insights, I would be most grateful.

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  15. I have a medal of Our Lady of Humility on one side and Pope Pius XII on the other side - I am trying to find the origin of this medal. Was this medal minted after WWII? Did Pope Pius XII have a window of Our Lady of Humility completed after the War? Can you please help with the history of this medal - Please respond

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  16. Hi, my kids and I found a religious metal with saints on both sides, is extremely old, and cannot identify. I have pictures and would like to contact someone who may be able to identify. My email address is anmg@iinet.net.au, please contact me if you think you can help. Also Merry Christmas to all.

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  17. Isn't it illegal to copy a vintage medal? Or is there some loophole that allows people to duplicate and sell for profit?

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  18. Hi, I am from Mexico, I comment that I have about 100 antique catolic bronze and copper medals, many of them since 1600- 1700, would You like to see pictures? I want to sell them. Send Me back your message

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  19. I have a john paul the 11 badge same as the first one you show is it valuable?at all

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  20. I have an medal I found that looks to be vintage. It has 8 sides. One face has two angel looking shapes facing each other with a tree shape between them. The tree has a cross in the middle. At the bottom it has the "ASESTSS" written. The other face of the medal has 3 standing people, the middle person being short holding the hands of the taller people. Above them are three faces With a triangle and ranbow shape behind them. It reads "AHA" "HMY" at the top and "ROMA" at the bottom, "TD" on the left and "YD" on the right. Its warn, tarnished, and heavy gold. Thoughts???? If you google ROMA ASESTSS under images, it looks similar to these pictures.

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    1. I'm certain I can help you identify your medal! I have not yet Googled your description but first instincts tell me your 8 sided medal is very old. It likely has a perpendicular bail, indicative of 17th and 18th century medals. The words ROMA at the bottom indicate a Vatican medal issued in Rome. Your medal is likely bronze, not gold. Can you send me a picture. I'm at julianna0202@hotmail.com You should KEEP this medal.

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  21. wanted to see if it worth anything

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    1. can I post a pic sorry didnt send the first post

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  22. can I post or email u a pic to help with age or value

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  23. How do I find out the value of a piece. I have a mother mary praying with "Gott SchĂștze Dich" written on the back. I know it's origin passed from my great grand mother to my father in 1975 but she had it handed to her. I'm in South Africa and not too clued up with these things. Please assist

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  24. Many years ago found a medal.not sure what it is.on the front is the pope.on the back is roma..

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  25. I have acquired a few vintage religious charms from an estate that are encased in cardboard holders (like coins) and marked AQ. Can anyone tell me what the AQ stands for...having difficulty finding out.

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  26. I have recently come across a medal that I thought I had lost. I have had it for over 40 years. My mind isn't what it use to be and I am trying to find some information about it but can't seem to find any medals like it. It is oval, has some weight to it, appears to be a female (face is smooth/ a little worn) showing a heart with a couple of things above it, a halo around the head. There are a couple of flowers around the top of the medal where the hole is for the necklace to go through. There is no writing on the front or back that I can see. Any ideas or suggestions of where I could look? I can't find anything so far and I would have to travel quite a way to find a Catholic church.

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  27. I see a number of Spanish religious medals on eBay that are purported to be XVI-XVII century. They are well worn and corroded. Are these real antiques that have been dug or are they fakes. Thanks.

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  28. Can someone help me figure out a coin I found in my path the other day? I dont know much about these things and only have the one single coin, but would love to find out where it is from and what it is worth. It landed in my pathway, I feel it was meant to for some reason. It's a bright gold round coin with an identical angel on both sides. The angel has her wings spread open with what looks like Ray's of sunshine behind her and a halo above her head. Her right arm and hand are facing downward with her palm facing in and it looks like she is pointing down. Her left arm is bent at the elbow and her hand is at neck height. She is standing on what looks like clouds. The coin is in very good shape and looks almost new. There is no lettering whatsoever or any dating on either side. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide! If you want any further info or would like a picture please don't hesitate to contact me at marymyers38@gmail.com

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  29. Hi, I have a vintage medalion I believe. Its 2 tone silver and bronze says tu es petrus on the front. Paulus Vl Pont Max on back. My aunt gave it to me. Is this of value? I feel it is in beautiful condition.

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  30. Is is there a number that I can call someone and speak to them on the phone please later on today

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  31. Would you please email me phone number to business Randolph Township in New Jersey owner David customer service 396 please

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  32. Can I see round gold pieces with the Saint Joseph and St Thomas letters

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  33. If you are talking about the coin I inquired about, I no longer have it. Thank you.

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  34. What is the best way to clean old religious medals when you don't know what they are made of? Some are quite dark and I can't make out what they are. Various ages probably from the 1940s and newer.

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  35. I have about 25 old medals - a third of which are St christoper medals. How do I determine their age, metal and value of them.

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  36. I have a 14k gold German catholic charm pendant of Schwester Blandine Merten that i would like to know the value. Thanks

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  37. I have a medal from an estate it appears to be 18 k round blessed mother - on the bag is a raised circle shape, hollowed out- I am wondering if it was a hallmark or a relic of some sort. I think its from italy.

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  38. I am metal detectorist this evening I found a medallion I am trying to figure what time frame it was made everything in that Era is mid 1800s but this looks older it is I believe bronze I believe it's mother Mary on one side and st bruno on the other side I can't figure out how to upload the pics thanks a

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  39. Very informative...enjoyed reading the comments...thank you all.

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  40. I wear my favorite angel, Archangel Michael, the front is him slaying a demon and the back is an angel and a child, I love it<3

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  41. I have a medal I’m looking to identify to see if it’s an authentic Catholic medal. Can you help?

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  42. I have a medal that I can’t identify. It appears as if the Virgin Mary has fire coming from her hands pointed downwards. The front looks Lady of the Sea medal (from my searches today) but the back has what appears to be a star at the top, with a plaque on the bottom attached to it appears to be Laurel. It’s is imprinted around the edge of this oval shaped med, the inscription “congregation Des Enfants De Marie” which roughly translated as Mary of the Children. I have pics of both front and back, but the detail isn’t as clear as the actual medal. I am just trying to identify if it’s an authentic medal that has meaning. I hope you can point me into the direction to have it identified if you are able. I appreciate any guidance you can provide. Regards, Jolene Bigger Hartt

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    1. Send me a photo of your medal. I might be able to help identify. Julianna0202@hotmail.com

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  43. I have a collection of very old medals, some from the 1600’s and 1700’s. Over the years, I have bought them from a very reputable dealer in antique medals. My concern is this: When I need to dispense of my belongings, if I don’t sell or give them to someone who knows what they’re worth, they could end up in a thrift shop somewhere or worse, put in the garbage! Unfortunately I have not documented them as I bought them. But I have such a respect and reverence for them. Do you have any suggestions? I haven’t yet contacted the dealer/seller about my concern. But I happened to run across your website and thought I would ask your advice. Thank you!
    John

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  44. Who can I call contact in regards to looks like a Catholic metal It actually is 18 carat gold For necklace Belong to my dad

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