The legacy WordPress version of this post was a short private appraisal note describing a Veuve Clicquot “Medal of Honor” made in bronze argenté with an estimated value of $70–$90. In this migrated version, we keep the core valuation idea, but expand it into a practical identification and pricing guide you can apply to your own medal.
The key point: these are not “Medal of Honor” military decorations. They are typically brand-related commemorative or ceremonial medals tied to Veuve Clicquot (a Champagne house founded in 1772 in Reims, France), sometimes awarded in arts/gastronomy contexts.
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What is a Veuve Clicquot “Medal of Honor”?
In collecting terms, this piece sits at the intersection of advertising memorabilia, commemorative medals, and brand history. The phrase “Medal of Honor” is usually a translation-style label rather than an official French state decoration.
These medals are often described as being awarded during an official ceremony to people in the arts and gastronomy as a form of brand recognition. Like many corporate or promotional medals, the market is mostly driven by:
- Design + subject appeal: collectors of Champagne memorabilia and French advertising.
- Material and finish: bronze argenté is more collectible than base metal, but less than solid silver.
- Documentation: a presentation case, recipient name, or event paperwork adds credibility.
Quick authenticity checklist (what to photograph)
If you’re trying to identify your medal (or get a fair offer), take photos that answer these questions: is it struck or cast, is the finish plated, and are there any marks that link it to a known series?
- Front and back: straight-on, full frame, no glare.
- Edge close-up: look for edge lettering, a seam, or filing marks.
- Surface detail: high-resolution macro of the lettering and high points (where wear shows first).
- Measurements: diameter + thickness; weight is also helpful.
What does “bronze argenté” mean?
Bronze argenté literally means “silvered bronze.” In practice, it’s a bronze medal finished with a thin layer of silver-colored plating. This is not the same as sterling silver.
Why it matters for value:
- Plating wear is normal: silvered surfaces often show bronze warmth on high points and edges.
- Over-cleaning hurts value: polishing can remove plating and erase the original tone collectors expect.
- Testing is tricky: a scratch test can damage the finish. If you need confirmation, rely on weight, sound, edge detail, and careful non-destructive methods first.
Dating a 20th-century brand medal
For many corporate/brand medals, an exact year can be hard to confirm without a boxed set or written award paperwork. Still, there are clues that help narrow the period:
- Typography and layout: letterforms and spacing often hint at mid-century vs late-century design.
- Struck detail: crisp relief and sharp lettering is more typical of a die-struck medal than a later cast souvenir.
- Finish aging: genuine older plating tends to develop subtle toning rather than mirror-bright shine.
If your medal matches a documented design reference, keep that URL or screenshot with your listing—collectors value provenance even when it’s “just” a registry match.
Condition grading (what impacts price most)
Medal values are extremely condition-sensitive, especially for plated pieces. A medal that reads “excellent” in a listing usually has clean fields, intact plating, and minimal contact marks.
- Mint/near-mint: full argenté finish, sharp detail, minimal hairlines; often highest demand.
- Very good: light handling marks, slight edge bumps, minor high-point rub.
- Good: visible plating loss on high points, noticeable scratches, small nicks.
- Fair: heavy wear, spotting, corrosion, or evidence of harsh cleaning.
Avoid “improving” the surface. Conservation-level cleaning (dusting, gentle wipe) is usually fine, but polishing compounds can take a $90 medal and turn it into a $30 problem.
How much is a Veuve Clicquot bronze argenté medal worth?
For a typical example in honest, collectible condition, a working market range is often around $70–$90—the same range cited in the legacy appraisal note that originally accompanied this medal.
That range can shift based on context:
- With presentation box / paperwork: often sells higher because it reads as a true award, not a souvenir.
- Unusual size or premium execution: high relief, unusually crisp striking, or a known medallist can add value.
- Heavy plating loss or cleaning: often sells lower because the “argenté” look is part of the appeal.
If you’re seeing much higher asking prices online, treat them as aspirational until you find a confirmed sold comp. For medals, asking prices can float for months without a buyer.
How to sell (and who buys these)
The best buyer pool is usually not “general antiques.” It’s collectors who actively search for Champagne ephemera, French advertising, and medallic art.
- Specialty memorabilia dealers: can be quick, but expect wholesale offers.
- Online marketplaces: include clear photos and disclose plating wear; avoid over-cleaning before listing.
- Auction houses with advertising/collectibles sales: best when you also have a box, paperwork, or a group lot.
Care and storage
- Store in a dry environment; silvered finishes can spot if kept damp.
- Use acid-free tissue or a soft pouch; avoid PVC flips that can off-gas.
- Don’t use metal polish unless you accept plating loss.
- If corrosion is present, consult a conservator before attempting aggressive cleaning.
Search variations collectors ask
Readers often Google these variations while researching Veuve Clicquot medals:
- what is a Veuve Clicquot medal of honor worth
- bronze argente medal meaning silver plated bronze
- how to tell if a Veuve Clicquot medal is real
- Veuve Clicquot champagne advertising medal value
- how to date a French commemorative medal by design
- does polishing reduce value of silver plated medals
- where to sell Veuve Clicquot memorabilia
- is bronze argente the same as sterling silver
Each question maps to the identification, condition, and selling guidance above.
References
- Reims Champagne actu (Veuve Clicquot reference page)
- Veuve Clicquot (brand history)
- Medal (background on medallic art)
Wrap-up
A Veuve Clicquot “Medal of Honor” in bronze argenté is a niche but appealing collectible for Champagne and advertising memorabilia collectors. Most examples trade in a modest range—often around $70–$90—unless condition and documentation push it into a higher tier. Photograph it well, avoid polishing, and market it to the right buyer pool.