Crimean VC group sells for 320K at Noonan's 6 Dec 2023 auction

A Crimean VC group sold for 320K at this month December 2023 Noonan auction. With a start estimate price of 200K to 260K. The 100K plus beyond estimate price shows the potential of how medal collecting can ensure great return for medal sellers/investors as well as stimulate pleasure and interest to their owners and colleagues who research them.

The first ever VC was awarded to an Irishman, Charles Davis Lucas, onboard HMS Hecla during the Crimean War.

The December 2023 Noonan medal was awarded to another seaman James Gorman

for bravery performed defending on land an artillery battery also during the Crimean War. With dead bodies mounting around the battery and with severe use of hand to hand fighting, Gorman successfully stopped Russian soldiers from capturing the strategically important artillery position.

VCs continue to be the most sort after medal by collectors but are beyond the financial reach of most. The most recent VC was awarded to Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey of 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment, whose VC was gazetted in February 2015, following an action in Afghanistan on 22 August 2015.