Victoria Cross Explained: History, Rarity & What Collectors Look For
The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the British honours system. First introduced in 1856 by Queen Victoria, it recognises acts of exceptional bravery “in the face of the enemy.”
Cast from bronze and instantly recognisable by its simple cross design and deep crimson ribbon, the Victoria Cross stands apart from other military medals. It is not awarded for rank, status, or long service — only for extraordinary courage under fire.
For collectors and historians alike, the Victoria Cross represents more than just a medal. It tells individual stories of bravery, sacrifice, and pivotal moments in British and Commonwealth military history.
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The Victoria Cross
A First World War Victory Medal, awarded to Allied servicemen following the end of the Great War.
A Medal Born from War
The Victoria Cross was created in response to the Crimean War, where acts of bravery often went unrecognised regardless of rank. Queen Victoria wanted a decoration that could be awarded to any soldier, regardless of status, purely based on merit.
Unlike many medals of the time, the Victoria Cross was deliberately simple in design. The bronze cross pattée features a crowned lion standing over the words “FOR VALOUR” — a phrase that has become synonymous with the award itself.
Traditionally, it is said that the metal used to create the medal came from captured cannon, adding further historical weight to each piece.
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Rarity and Significance
The Victoria Cross is exceptionally rare. Since its introduction, just over 1,300 have been awarded, with far fewer surviving in private collections today.
This rarity, combined with the individual stories behind each medal, makes it one of the most significant and respected military decorations in the world.
Unlike many other medals, the value of a Victoria Cross is not only in its material or age, but in the documented act of bravery it represents. Provenance — the story of who it was awarded to and why — is everything.
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What Collectors Look For
Collectors of high-level military medals are typically looking for a combination of authenticity, condition, and historical importance.
With a Victoria Cross, key factors include:
• Provenance – A clear and documented history of the recipient
• Condition – Original ribbon, naming, and overall preservation
• Campaign relevance – The conflict or action in which it was awarded
• Supporting material – Citations, documents, or associated medals
Because of the significance of the award, Victoria Crosses are often held in museums or long-established collections, and rarely come to market.
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Why It Matters Today
Even today, the Victoria Cross remains a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice. For collectors, it represents the very highest level of military history — a piece that goes beyond collecting and into preservation.
At The Medal Centre, we regularly handle a wide range of military medals and collections. While Victoria Crosses are exceptionally rare, many collections we see contain important and valuable items that tell equally compelling stories.
If you have medals, coins, jewellery, or collectables and are unsure of their significance, we’re always happy to take a look and offer honest, straightforward advice.
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Visit Us at Our Valuation Events
We travel across the UK holding local valuation days where you can bring items in without appointment.
• No pressure
• No obligation
• Immediate feedback
Check our latest events or look out for our leaflet in your area for upcoming dates.
