Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 12/2/2009

Question
Are you familiar with these types of coins? I only have one.the front has 3 jet airplanes in flight and clouds and states " you are the thunder and the lightning/operation desert storm" and the back has 15 stars and an eagle and ribbon and states "the coalition forces of the united nations align to preserve liberty and freedom in the persian gulf january 17, 1991" it is incased in plastic and appears to be in mint condition....24kt gold on sterling silver limited edition minted by the franklin mint...does it have any value? Monetary or aesthetic...or are there any others like it anywhere? Maybe part of a set...it says 24kt gold electroplate on sterling a copyright symbol...a symbol that looks vaguely like an "f" a 91 and a P...thank you for time and iformation

Answer
Hi Brian,
This medal was actually proposed and passed by the US Congress. A limited number were made at the Franklin mint, in silver and gold plated as well. The value for something like this is highly subjective. If talking about the general coin collecting market, the value would be that of the silver (which currently trends between $18 and $19 per ounce). However, for someone who specifically collects these types of times a realistic retail value would be closer to $75-$100.
There are commemorative sets similar to this, but your medal was originally made as a single piece.
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Thanks for the question! =)