Expert: Neil S Berman - 9/15/2007

Question
We have a collection of .999 fine silver medallions dating back to 1971. I have tried to find value on these, however I can not locate them on the web ANYWHERE, and it may be due to them being a limited addition.
They are from the US Postal Service w/ various dates, pictures, and sayings on the back, along with serial numbers. They were designed by W. D Ashford, and WDA is stamped on the front of each one. The back of the book says "available through the nations first Postique" US Post Office Memphis, Tenn. If anyone can help me, this is much appreciated. Feel free to e-m me directly at lockamy@frontiernet.net

Answer
What you have are private issue medals. They were not issued by the USPS, which has never issued medals or coins, which is the sole providence of the US Mint. They are sadly worth their medal content and no more. Frankly, it would be sad to melt them. I would figure out there scrap value and then sell them on eBay at a price over that.