Beyond the Price Tags: The True Value of Patriotic Memorabilia
Each day when I sit at my desk, I notice the small, metallic, oval-shaped pendant that hangs from the corner of my monitor.
Engraved with the name Percy Eugene Montgomery, this dog tag was worn by my grandpa during both World War II and the Korean War. He served as a Navy Seabee (short for Construction Battalion, or “CB”) during both conflicts.
When my dad passed along this family artifact a few years ago, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. It seemed too important to just stick in a drawer, so while I considered where to store it, place it, or display it, I hung it from the top-left corner of my computer monitor so it would remain top of mind. That’s where it’s remained since that day.
At this point, I don’t think I’ll move it. I like it there, hanging in full view when I’m working or considering what needs to be done. It’s subtle but powerful, and I suspect it keeps me grounded.
It’s a subtle reminder that anything meaningful in life usually comes with some degree of sacrifice. It makes me think of what my grandpa likely endured and accomplished and, by extension, what so many others went through to make this country what it is today.
The dog tag isn’t the only piece of military history I inherited. I also have his Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, his World War II Victory Medal, and a small but meaningful collection of letters, military documents, travel souvenirs, and photos from his time overseas. While none of these things, including the dog tag, are likely to carry huge financial value, that’s never really been the point.
For me, these items represent a personal connection to my family’s past. They also connect me to a broader national story of courage, service, and perseverance. U.S. history is chock-full of stories like these.
As Memorial Day approaches, I find myself reflecting not just on these keepsakes, but on why we collect patriot and military memorabilia at all. Whether passed down through generations or discovered in an auction or antique shop, these pieces tell stories. Each one of them represents narratives that help define who we are, where we’ve been, and what we choose to honor.
The Emotional and Cultural Drive to Collect Patriotic Memorabilia
For collectors, especially those with a family tie to military service, the true value of patriotic memorabilia lies not in the object itself, but in the stories and sacrifices it represents. It’s about connection — to a relative, to a moment in time, or to the broader story of our nation.
In my case, holding my grandfather’s medals or flipping through his old photographs isn’t about examining flaws in the metal or paper. It’s about imagining where he was when he earned those awards or snapped those photos. It’s about moving closer to those stories that shaped my family and, in some ways, my own values.
Such personal connection is a powerful reason why people collect these items. A uniform or helmet might not mean much to a stranger, but to the son or granddaughter of the person who wore it (or one like it), it’s sacred. It’s a way to remember, honor, and continue telling that story.
But even beyond the personal, there’s a deep cultural pull. Collecting items from America’s past — especially from defining eras like World War II, the Civil War, or the Civil Rights Movement — helps us connect to the evolving identity of our country.
These objects serve as touchpoints. They remind us of the challenges we’ve faced, the progress we’ve made, and the people who pushed us forward.
For many, especially around Memorial Day or Veterans Day, these collections become a way to show gratitude. They’re a form of remembrance and reverence, tangible representations of sacrifice and service.
There’s also something symbolic — almost spiritual — in owning a piece of history. A battered flag from Iwo Jima or a field journal from Vietnam can feel like more than a collectible. It’s a relic that serves as a reminder of what courage looks like when it’s tested, or a prompt to live with more awareness of the freedoms we might take for granted.
In that sense, collecting patriotic memorabilia isn’t just about the past. It’s about staying connected to what it took to get here — and what it means to carry that legacy forward.
What Makes Patriotic and War Memorabilia So Valuable?
When people think of value in collectibles, they often just straight to price tags. How much is it worth at auction? What rare pieces sell the best? And how is demand for these items evolving over time?
But as we’ve established with patriotic and military memorabilia, the word “value” takes on a much broader meaning.
Personal Value
First, there’s personal value — the kind that can’t be measured in dollars. A medal earned in combat, a letter home from the front lines, or a battlefield photo snapped by a young soldier might not fetch much at auction. But to the families who inherit these items, they’re priceless.
They represent bravery, sacrifice, and deeply personal stories. Even when the names are unknown, the context still resonates. Holding a piece of someone’s lived experience during a time of war can be powerful and sobering.
Historical Significance
Then there’s historical significance. Artifacts tied to major events — the Normandy invasion, the Battle of Gettysburg, the March on Selma — carry weight simply because of what they’ve witnessed. They serve as tangible links to defining moments, ensuring people today have a better connection to the complexity and emotion behind textbook history.
When items are well-documented, especially with clear provenance (records of origin and ownership), their importance only grows.
Craftsmanship and Rarity
Craftsmanship and rarity also play a role in establishing value with historic artifacts. Some pieces were made with incredible attention to detail — hand-engraved medals, wartime propaganda posters, or early 20th Century miliary gear that was built to endure.
Others are rare because they weren’t meant to survive. These may include battlefield maps, temporary ID cards, or handwritten notes hastily stuffed in a pocket. The fewer of these items that remain, the more intriguing they become — especially to collectors and historians.
Emotional Storytelling
Finally, value exists in the ideal that an artifact isn’t just a relic, but a spark. It’s often the story behind the item that makes it so compelling.
A helmet from a Marine who landed on Iwo Jima tells a different story than one with no known background — even if they’re essentially the same item. It’s the narrative that turns a piece into something that people want to preserve, honor, and pass along.
Popular and Financially Valuable Collectibles
While most people collect patriotic memorabilia for personal or historical reasons, it’s worth mentioning (for investors especially) that some items can carry significant financial value. This is especially true where items are rare, well-preserved, and tied to pivotal moments or well-known people in American history.
Military Collectibles
Within military memorabilia, original artifacts from the Civil War and World War II tend to be among the most sought-after. For example:
Civil War swords and rifles, especially those with engraved markings or provenance linking them to specific battles or officers, can command thousands of dollars.
Medals of Honor and high-level combat decorations, when authentic and legally available, are rare and incredibly valuable due to their historic weight.
WWI bomber jackets, especially jackets that were painted or personalized, are coveted for their character and craftsmanship.
Original propaganda posters, like Rosie the Riveter or Uncle Same recruitment posters, are increasingly collected as both historical and pop culture artifacts.
Signed Documents and Presidential Items
Items tied to key figures in U.S. history often carry both financial and cultural value. These include:
Signed letters or documents from Founding Fathers (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin) can sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on content and condition.
Presidential memorabilia, especially from Lincoln, Kennedy, or FDR, remain popular with collectors who are drawn to those who were leaders during some of the country’s most turbulent times.
Historical legislation or war orders, when preserved and authenticated, offer a direct link to the decisions that shaped the nation.
Artifacts from Defining Movements and Eras
Beyond military-related items, collectors also seek pieces tied to broader American struggles and progress:
Abolitionist and Civil Rights Movement memorabilia, including pamphlets, protest signs, and personal letters from key figures, are gaining visibility and value.
Women's suffrage memorabilia, such as sashes, banners, and pins from the early 1900s, are rare and resonate strongly in today’s cultural landscape.
Industrial Revolution-era artifacts, like labor union badges, railway equipment, or factory signage, are also rising in popularity as people explore America’s working-class roots.
Considerations for Collectors
With value comes responsibility, and authentication is crucial. Reputable sellers like Pristine Auction provide verification and provenance to help ensure buyers are getting what they pay for.
Collectors should also be mindful of the sensitivity of certain items. Pieces tied to trauma, conflict, or injustice — especially as it has to do with other races, cultures, or religions — should be approached with care and respect, especially when displayed publicly.
Ultimately, while some patriotic memorabilia can be incredibly valuable in a financial sense, many collectors are just as interested in the emotional and historical wealth these items represent. Owning a piece of the past isn’t always about what it’s worth. Sometimes, it’s simply about keeping the story alive.
It’s Not Just About Owning, but Preserving
There often comes a moment when the focus shifts from having a piece of history to protecting it. This is when collecting patriotic memorabilia evolves from a hobby to an effort in stewardship. When you inherit your grandfather’s medals, buy a Civil War-era letter, or win a historic flag at auction, you’re accepting a responsibility to care for that piece of the past.
Preservation can take many forms. Some people build display cases, frame documents, or create home “museums” to honor their collection. Others choose to digitize letters and photographs to share with family or donate certain items to museums or veterans' organizations.
Wherever your preservation efforts take you, the act is the same: you're keeping history alive and accessible for the next generation.
As Memorial Day approaches, it’s worth taking stock not just of what we own, but why we hold on to it. These artifacts are more than conversation pieces. Like the dog tag that hangs from my computer monitor, they’re reminders of who we are, where we come from, and what sacrifices made our present possible.
At Pristine Auction, we’re proud to help preserve those stories. In honor of Memorial Day, we’re currently hosting a Memorial Day Auction featuring a curated selection of historic and patriotic memorabilia. Whether you're searching for a meaningful heirloom or a rare collectible, this is a chance to own a piece of American history.
🗓 The auction ends Tuesday, May 27th, so don’t miss your chance to explore and bid on these remarkable items.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about collecting — it’s about honoring, remembering, and carrying the legacy forward.
