There are many people interested in collectibles and also interested in American history. What many of these collectors don't know is that relics from the Civil War can be had for much less an investment than they may have previously thought. Below are some of those items.

Civil War Bullets 

Image via Gettysburg Museum

More than three million soldiers fought in the Civil War on battlefields up and down the East Coast. For decades now, collectors have gone to these battlefields and searched for relics from the battles. The most commonly found items are bullets from the guns of soldiers.

There are two types of bullets sought by collectors; dropped bullets and spent bullets. Some collectors prefer the pristine condition that dropped bullets, and some prefer the historical significance of a spent bullet. Both types of items are readily available on historic memorabilia sites as well as eBay, with costs running as low as $20. It is recommended that collectors seek out items that come with a certificate of authenticity.

Civil War Medals 

Image via eBay

During the conflict, both soldiers and civilians received medals for several different reasons. And while some families have held on to the awards received by their ancestors, many have also found their way into the collector's market.

A cursory look on eBay will show hundreds of Civil War medals available for purchase. Collectors interested in something small can pick one up for around $20. There are also higher-end items available, including awards that are constructed from 14-karat gold and inlaid with diamonds.

Confederate Money 

Image via eBay

Perhaps the most popular Civil War collector's item is Confederate money. During the conflict, the Confederacy began to print its own currency. While many of these bills were destroyed or thrown out when no longer legal tender, there are still some for sale.

Confederate money can be graded and certified by companies such as PGS. This is recommended for collectors as there are many counterfeit bills out there and collectors are willing to pay a premium for bills in better condition. Graded Confederate currency can be purchased for anything from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.

Civil War Rifles 

Image via Guns International

With more than 3 million soldiers taking part in the war, many firearms that were used in the conflict remain. And with so many soldiers, there are many different varieties of guns available. This includes weapons from makers like Sharp, Springfield, Burnside, Spencer, and Henry.

People looking to purchase rifles on eBay won't have much luck. Only replica weapons can be sold on the website. But serious collectors can purchase the weapons through licensed online sellers or at gun shows. They should be ready to pay up. Civil War-era rifles sell for thousands of dollars.

Civil War Era Breast Plates 

Image via Gettysburg Museum

Breast Plates, worn on cartridge belts across the chest, were a source of pride for Union soldiers. The decorations proved that they were members of the United States Army. The plates could also be polished so that they would stand out when the soldier was in uniform.

Breast plates, which were often stamped with an image of an eagle, have become popular collector's items. Many have been preserved either by being passed down by family members or being found on battlefields. Collectors can purchase them on eBay or on memorabilia sites for around $200.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.