The rarest military medals are not always the best sellers...

Did you know: the personal story behind a medal or collection is often far more important to the price than rarity.

A soldier's medal set can soar in value if an account exists of their experiences in battle, or if they came into contact with a major figure.

For example, the medals of CR Roberts, who saved Winston Churchill's life in the Boer War, sold for £38,400 at Dix Noonan Webb last year.