The Purple Heart award, which is given to members of the United States Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in combat, does not have a monetary value in the same way that a commodity or currency does. It is a symbol of honor, sacrifice, and bravery, and its worth is measured in the recognition and respect it carries. The Purple Heart award is, therefore, not something that is typically bought or sold on the open market.
However, it is possible to find Purple Heart medals for sale through collectors, auctions, or military surplus stores. The price can vary significantly depending on factors such as the medal’s condition, the recipient’s history, and the overall demand among collectors.
In this guide, we will explore some of the latest average values of the Purple Heart medal and discuss the important ethical considerations you should take into account when dealing with such military awards.
What Is The Purple Heart?
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration established by General George Washington in 1782 as the Badge of Military Merit. Initially, the decoration was awarded for “any singularly meritorious action.”
In 1932, on the bicentennial of Washington’s birth, the Purple Heart was revived and redesigned as a heart-shaped medal with a profile of George Washington and the inscription “For Military Merit.” The medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States or as a result of an act of any such enemy, or posthumously to the next of kin of such individuals.
The Purple Heart is a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty, and it is highly esteemed among military personnel and their families. Recipients of the Purple Heart are honored for their bravery and their willingness to make sacrifices for their country.
What's the Average Price of a Purple Heart?
Let’s start by remembering that selling or purchasing military decorations, including the Purple Heart, is regulated by federal law, and there are restrictions and requirements for buying, selling, and owning such items depending on where you are.
The Purple Heart is not awarded with any financial compensation attached to it. Its value lies in the recognition of the recipient’s sacrifice and service to their country.
Having said this, if we look at the latest auctions, we can see that most prices for Purple Hearts range from $65+ USD for Bronze Gilt/Enamelled versions to over $800 for specific decorations.
Purple Hearts from World War II are also pricier, typically valued between $300 to $400 due to the continued interest in that era.
What Was The Most Expensive Purple Heart Ever Sold?
The most expensive Purple Heart ever sold was a medal posthumously awarded to John F. Kennedy, which was auctioned at RR Auction in September 2014 for $200,000.
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, received the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during his service in World War II. As a Navy lieutenant, Kennedy was serving as the commander of Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 in the Pacific theater when his boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer on August 2, 1943. The collision caused the boat to split in two, and Kennedy and his crew were thrown into the water.
Despite suffering from back injuries, Kennedy managed to help his injured crew members to safety and led them to a nearby island, where they awaited rescue. For his courageous actions and leadership during this incident, Kennedy was awarded the Purple Heart, among other decorations.
