Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/18/2012

Question
Hi, Dmitry
I have some medals from spanish-american war. I see it on some places but not much information about these medals; First one, gold tone cross, Obverse a veterans seal with Cuba, Porto Rico, Philippines and USA in each points. Reverse, a seal with stars and bars with world UNITED. Second one, silver tone cross, with the same obverse like first. Obverse, a Eagle with legend; Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Spanish-American War 1898-1023. The third one, Obverse, William Sampson bust, Legend, US Naval Campaing West Indies 1898. Reveser, three soldiers on a ship. Legend, Santiago de Cuba July 3. Bronce 38mm. The last one cooper cross with anchor seal. Legend, US Naval Campaing West Indies. Specially Meritorious Service 1898. No reveser. I want to know the motive, the year and value of each one, if is possible. Thanks you.

Answer
Hi Ramon,
The first, second and fourth are veteran's medals, awarded after the war to those who fought. These are actually fairly common and I see them selling for $25 to $30 each at the most.
The third one was made in two versions. There was a brass colored one with ribbon on which soldiers would attach metal plates with names of various ports in the West Indies that they would visit. That version is worth around $50 with ribbon + around $20 for each metal port tag.
The one you have is the version that was made without a loop. The last one I saw sold for $25. Yours is in better condition and I would say $40 at most in an auction. Retail prices in a shop would be higher for all.
Thanks! =)