❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Fiesta medal prices vary widely:

• Free: Many organizations give away medals at events
• $5-15: Most medals fall in this range
• $15-30: Limited edition or elaborate designs
• $30+: Very limited runs or collector's editions

On the secondary market (eBay, collector groups), rare or vintage medals can command higher prices.

During Fiesta (April):

• Official Fiesta events (NIOSA, parades, Oyster Bake)
• Local restaurants and bars
• Hotels, especially downtown
• Businesses and shops
• Medal trading events
• Military bases (for base-specific medals)

Year-round:

• eBay and other online marketplaces
• Facebook collector groups
• Antique stores and estate sales
• Local collector meetups

In the Fiesta medal community, NFT stands for "Not For Trade." This has nothing to do with cryptocurrency NFTs!

When a collector marks a medal as NFT, it means they want to keep it and it's not available for trading. Always respect when someone says a medal is NFT.

• Standard medals: Traditional flat medallions on ribbons
• Spinners: Medals with rotating center pieces
• Blinkies: Medals with LED lights
• Dangles: Medals with hanging decorative elements
• 3D medals: Sculptural, dimensional designs
• Pin backs: Medals designed to be pinned like brooches
• Bottle opener medals: Functional medals that open bottles

Trading is simple and social! Here's how:

1. Wear your tradeable medals during Fiesta events
2. Approach other collectors and ask if they'd like to trade
3. Show what you have available and see what they have
4. Agree on a fair exchange
5. Make the trade!

You can also trade online through Facebook groups and collector communities, or at organized medal trading events.

A fair trade is one where both parties feel satisfied. While there's no strict formula, consider:

• Original cost of the medals
• Rarity and demand
• Condition of the medals
• Personal desire for specific medals

Remember, trading is supposed to be fun! Not every trade needs to be perfectly equal—sometimes it's about making connections and sharing the joy of collecting.

Yes, you can sell Fiesta medals, but be aware of community norms:

• Selling at or near original cost is generally acceptable
• Selling rare or vintage medals at collector prices is common
• "Scalping" (buying up medals to resell at huge markups) is frowned upon

Many collectors sell on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or through collector groups. Just be honest about condition and fair with pricing.

Creating an account is easy and free:

1. Click "Sign In" in the navigation
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. That's it! You're ready to start tracking your collection

We use Google Sign-In for security and convenience—no passwords to remember!

Once signed in, you can mark medals with three statuses:

• Have: Medals in your collection
• Want: Medals you're looking for
• Not For Trade (NFT): Medals you have but won't trade

Browse the medal database and click the status buttons to track your collection. View your collection anytime from "My Collection" in the menu.

To contribute a medal:

1. Sign in to your account
2. Click "Upload" in the navigation
3. Fill in the medal details (title, year, maker)
4. Upload a photo of the medal
5. Submit for review

Submitted medals are reviewed before being published to ensure quality and accuracy.

Your collection is private by default. Only you can see your Have/Want/NFT statuses unless you choose to share. We respect your privacy and never share your personal information.

No. My Fiesta Medals is an independent, fan-made project created by a local collector. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Fiesta San Antonio®, the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, or any official Fiesta organization.

For official Fiesta information, please visit fiesta-sa.org.

Popular storage options include:

• Shadow boxes: Great for displaying favorites on a wall
• Display boards: Cork or fabric boards with hooks
• Storage bins: Plastic containers with dividers
• Binders with sleeves: Similar to coin collecting supplies
• Hanging displays: Decorative medal hangers

Whichever method you choose, keep medals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Be careful when cleaning medals:

• For light dust, use a soft, dry cloth
• For more cleaning, use mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly
• Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage finishes
• Don't scrub painted or printed designs
• Some collectors prefer the "patina" of age on vintage medals

When in doubt, less is more—you can't un-damage a medal!