Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 12/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey Dmitry,
I have an unusual medallion and would like to find out some information and value as well. It is about 3 inces in diameter, has a futuristic vehicle with a wing  on one side, farm machine on the reverse. Copyrighted by Norman Bel Geddes 1933. Commorates thge 25 anniversary of GM. The only thing I can find on it online is a photo on the MET website:      http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/dsgn2/ho_33.150.1,2.htm
Its in a little worse condition than the photo.
Thanks alot for your time, I appreciate your help.
scott

ANSWER: Hi Scott,
I'm actually quite familiar with the item you have.
Typically one of the original 1933 pieces (in excellent condition) is estimated at $1,500 to $2,000 in a retail setting.
Auction prices are more conservative, the most recent auction record for one was $950 in near mint condition. There were similar looking medals made continuously until 1984 and given to high achieving GM dealers for 25 years of service.
Such medals have the specific name of the individual. Yours appears to be one of the originals.
A realistic auction price for your medal is in the $500 to $750 range, but you can get significantly more in a high end consignment shop. A well renowned auctioneer who specializes in medals can likely get in the $750 to $1,000 range.
This medal is actuall silver plated bronze, not silver like stated on the site you linked. In most pictures you can see the bronze coming through in a few small spots.
Please don't forget to rate this answer.
Thanks for the question! =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Dmitry,
IHow have you been? I have tried submitting my medal to the heritage auction firm, but they denied my piece because it was worth less than 5,000$. May I have put it in the wrong category or do you think it is just not viable for selling. If you think I can still part with the medal, could you please direct me the right way?. Thank you kindly.
Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,
I spoke to someone from Heritage, the Fine Art auction has imposed that minimum value limit for single item consignments. They typically take less valuable items as part of a larger collection.
You can try consigning it to the coin auctions, which do not have a $5,000 minimum, or simply auction the item on eBay. Your item should get good exposure on eBay as long as it it listed under the correct categories. Rather than doing a straight auction, you can also put it up as a $1,000 buy-it-now with the "submit best offer" option. This is actually preferable to a low starting bid.
Smaller auction would also take such an item. One auction I used to work for in Long Island is Phillip Weiss auctions. They handle a wide variety of items including historical and art objects.
Thanks again. =)