How can you tell if a medal is from an original striking or whether it is a restrike?

Longacre

I have been reading QDB's book on the 100 Greatest Medals. For a lot of the medals, he indicates values of medals that are original strikes and then values of medals that are restrikes. I could be wrong, but I am assuming that the same dies are used for the originals and the restrikes. Assuming this is the case (and maybe this is where I am wrong), how do you tell an original from a restrike, especially if they are done in the same metal? Or are restrikes always done in different metals? Or are different dies always used?

numisma

It depends on the issue. Sometimes the original dies are used for the restrikes, but they have been modified. Other times the dies could be identical, but the metal is different or the edge may have an inscription. If you list specific medals, you can find details on distinguishing between originals and restrikes on a case-by-case basis.

OPA

As an example....

Restrike

ricko

Does it say 'First Strike' on the label???? Cheers, RickO

Barry

Look for "made in china" on the back.

OPA

<< <i>Look for "made in china" on the back. >>




or France...

numisma

.....sometimes restrikes can be worth more than an original. Also, certain medals were restruck many years apart, so you would have to know which era restrike. It can be complicated.

coinsarefun

I am sorry that I cannot answer your question. Hopefully someone who know will chime in but,I have to
say that I really
Love that medal. I would be interested in a restrike

jonathanb

It totally depends on the medal, but here's an old thread that gives a comparison for one medal.