Collecting 101

Here you will find some articles and tutorials explaining basic medal terms.

What is the obverse of a medal?  Do you know what the planchet is?  For a brief explanation of the basic parts of a medal see the link immediately below.

Parts of a Medal

Medals are brooched in a variety of ways.  See the link below for an explanation of different brooch types.

Types of Brooches

Initially medals were mounted by the recipient in an individual manner.  Over the years, each nation has developed a style of mounting medals.  For a description of some common styles, 

Types of Mounts

Follow the link below for a brief tutorial on how to Court Mount a medal group.

How to do a British Court Mount.

Want to learn more about medals?  The link below gives a very brief bibliography of useful general books about medals.

Recommended Books on Orders and Medals.