Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 12/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
First, I apologize if this is not a coin question. I have attached an image with what I think is a coin but could be some kind of medal or medallion. Whatever it is it's glued to a plaque so I cannot see the other side.
Briefly, on the surface there is a face of a man. On the left side are embossed the following initials: "F.J. VALLETA" . On the right side "M.M. HOSPIT HII R." (not sure about the hii part becasue its kinda unlear to me)
Any help will be appriciated. If it's not a coin related topic can you tell me in which category to ask?
THANKS IN ADVANCE

ANSWER: Hi Georgi,
You have come to the right place.
This is indeed a medal. It is actually a Maltese medal of religious Grand Master Jean de la Vallette (1557-1568), done in 1825 by French sculptor F. Vivier. The reverse side would have the legends "NATUS IN GALLIA, OBIIT MELITAE AN.M.D.LXXVIII" with a the 1825 date below that. It should measure 42 millimeters in diameter.
Nice examples usually auction between 60 and 80 pounds on the British market, or around $100 to $150 on the international market. You example is in rough shape, and the side that is not visible likely is very rough as well. A safe estimate for your medal would be between $20 and $40 if sold in the US and $25 to $50 overseas.
Please don't forget to rate this answer.
Thanks for the question! =)


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

QUESTION: Wow, you showed me some knowledge.
My first guess was it has something to do  with Malta but I have doubts because on the medal it says Valleta only with one "T". Any idea what "MM HOSPIT HII R" means?
I think I am going to check the other part of the medal. Wonder why someone will stick it to that plaque.
I did not know it worth  more then $50 bucks but I am bit surprised something made in 1825 has such low value.
Anyway, great answer. Definitely will use your help in I need it.
Thanks again!  

Answer
Georgi:
I have recently been contacted by someone from Malta that researched this medal and came across your question. They are interested in buying it and will likely pay more than what I quoted as an auction estimate for the condition that it's in, since this would be one of those situations where the right buyer has come around (personally I would not sell for less than $50 in such a retail situation). If you are interested I can get the two of you in touch. Simply send me a question with your e-mail address and I will pass it on.
Thanks.

The previous answer:

I see what you mean... "Valletta" with two T's is a city in Malta, but Valetta refers to the religious figure Jean de la Vallette. I am sure the name of the city is derived from the name of the individual, but spellings and syntax have changed significantly since this medal was made.
The pictures I have seen of the pieces I referenced for the initial answer had the same exact portrait side as your medal.
The legend "MM HOSPIT HII R" actually reads "MM HOSPIT HEIR", which translates to "The hospitable one" and would have been a complimentary phrase.
As far as value, if you are someone used to US coins and medal, the price would indeed be surprising. It's important to keep in mind that the US market is by far the exception to the rule in regards to comparable foreign items. For example, you can easily buy foreign coins and medals with less than 10,000 pieces in existence for under $100, which is virtually impossible for any US item. The examples of this medal that sell in the $100 to $150 range have all legends clear and no damage from being used in a crafted item, such as the plaque. $50 or less really is an accurate value for this piece. To tell you the truth, if I were to sell this piece in my own eBay coin business I would only expect $10 to $20 for it (based on the trends for other old European medals I have sold before).
It's still an interesting and historical keepsake, that is for sure.
thanks again! =)