A is a tragic event for any collector or athlete, but it is not always fatal to the medal's integrity. By understanding the causes—from improper storage to the notorious bite medal crack —you can take steps to prevent damage. With proper care and, if necessary, professional repair, your precious honors can last for generations.
The oils from your skin are acidic. When handling high-value medals, use cotton gloves to prevent "fingerprint corrosion," which can eventually lead to surface pitting and cracking.
Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or someone who has just inherited a family military heirloom, understanding why medals crack, how to identify these flaws, and how to prevent further degradation is vital to preserving these treasures. What is a Medal Crack? medal crack
Medals are produced by striking a metal planchet between two hardened steel dies. Over time, the intense pressure causes these steel dies to crack. When the metal is forced into this crack during the strike, a raised, thin line of metal appears on the finished medal. Characteristics of Die Cracks
Winter Olympics officials find fix for broken medals and promise repairs A is a tragic event for any collector
If the metal was too brittle or the pressure too high during manufacturing, internal stress can cause a crack immediately.
Check the edge of the coin or medal. Many structural cracks start at the rim due to uneven die pressure during striking and work their way inward. The oils from your skin are acidic
In numismatics, condition is everything. The presence of a post-minting crack almost always negatively impacts the financial value of a medal. Crack Type Impact on Value Market Perception Minimal to Positive