D-Day June 6, 1944 Commemorative Medal Appraisal
Category: Commemorative Medal/Coin
Description
The item is a circular, metallic commemorative medal or coin, appearing to be crafted from a brass or bronze alloy due to its distinct golden-yellow coloration and matte finish. It is housed within a clear acrylic protective capsule, which encases the entire circumference and both faces of the medal, suggesting an intent for preservation and display. The obverse side, visible in the image, features a detailed relief engraving depicting a historical war scene, likely the D-Day landings. Several figures, presumably soldiers, are shown amidst what appears to be a beach or shoreline environment, with some carrying equipment or weapons. The background includes dense foliage or trees, characteristic of a landing zone. A significant inscription "D DAY - JUNE 6, 1944" is clearly visible along the top left rim, indicating the specific event and date being commemorated. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with sharp details in the relief work, providing a sense of depth and artistry. There are no readily visible signs of wear, scratches, or damage to the medal itself, suggesting it is in excellent condition, possibly uncirculated or minimally handled, thanks to its protective casing. The surface maintains a uniform golden luster without any apparent patina or discoloration. The reverse side is not visible, so any further inscriptions, maker's marks, or details on that side cannot be ascertained. Given the context of "American mint" and the historical theme, it is likely a product of an American numismatic or commemorative institution, intended for collectors or as a historical artifact. The style is classic commemorative, focusing on historical accuracy and patriotic themes. The presence of the clear capsule indicates it was likely sold or distributed as a collector's item.
Appraisal Report
Based on my examination of the provided image and information, this D-Day June 6, 1944 Commemorative Medal appears to be in excellent condition. The clear acrylic capsule has effectively preserved its surface, showing no visible scratches, wear, or discoloration. The relief details are sharp and well-defined, indicative of good manufacturing quality. As an expert appraiser, my assessment of authenticity is limited to visual cues only. The 'American mint' attribution, while suggestive, is broad and doesn't specify a particular issuer (e.g., U.S. Mint, private mint). Commemorative medals of this nature are generally mass-produced collector's items rather than official government coinage. From a market perspective, commemorative medals, especially those not struck by official government mints, tend to have a modest value unless they possess unique intrinsic material value (e.g., precious metals), extreme rarity, or significant historical provenance linking them to a specific notable individual or event. This medal, while honoring a pivotal historical moment, does not appear to be made of precious metal. Demand for such pieces is steady among history enthusiasts and militaria collectors but rarely reaches high figures. Rarity is generally low for modern commemoratives manufactured for the collector market. Factors significantly impacting value are the non-precious metal composition and the likely mass production. Without specific minting details or certified provenance, it's considered a general commemorative collectible. For full authentication and to ascertain if it perhaps belongs to a limited issue or holds any unique attributes, an in-person examination would be necessary. This would allow for a detailed inspection of the reverse side, edge, specific gravity testing to confirm material, and the search for any specific mint marks or serial numbers. Additionally, provenance documentation from the original purchase or issuing authority would be invaluable. Given these considerations, its value is primarily as a historical keepsake rather than a numismatic rarity.
Appraisal Value
$25-50