How to Buy the Perfect Medal

Your Guide to buying the best Medals

Overview

Medals have been used to commemorate special achievements, moments, and people for centuries. In this buying guide, we will cover all the key aspects to consider when purchasing a medal, including the types of metals available, the size and shape of medals, the various finishes they may have, and the different engraving and ribboning options. We will also discuss how to best care for your medals and keep them looking their best. By the end of the guide, you should have a clear understanding of the best medal for your needs.

Key features

  1. Material: Decide what material the medal should be made of, from metal alloys such as gold, silver, copper, bronze, brass, pewter to other materials such as plastic, wood, and ceramic.
  2. Size: Choose a size to fit the desired purpose, such as large medals for a display or a smaller size for sporting events.
  3. Shape: Select a shape based on personal preference or the occasion, such as circular, square, or hexagonal medals.
  4. Design: Decide on the design of the medal that best suits the occasion or individual, such as engraving, printing, or embossing.
  5. Color: Choose a color for the medal that works best with the design and occasion, from bright colors to more muted shades.
  6. Ribbon: If desired, choose a ribbon or cord to accompany the medal, such as a plain ribbon in a matching color or a patterned one that complements the design.
  7. Backing: Consider what type of backing you wish to have for the medal, such as a presentation box or a velvet pouch.
  8. Vendor: Find a reputable vendor who specializes in creating medals, who can provide quality products and provide reliable customer service.

See the most popular Medals on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Medals are designed to be long-lasting and are not easily tarnished or damaged.
  • Aesthetics - Medals can be customized with engravings, logos, or other designs to create a unique and memorable look.
  • Affordability - Medals can be inexpensive and are a great option for recognizing achievement without breaking the bank.
  • Versatility - Medals can be used in a variety of ways, such as for awards, for decoration, or as a collectible item.
  • Portability - Medals are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport, display, or store.

Cons

  • Price - Medals can be expensive, depending on the metals and other materials used to make them.
  • Weight - Medals can be quite heavy, and may not be practical to wear for long periods of time.
  • Design - Medals may not match the clothing style or aesthetic of the wearer.
  • Durability - Medals can be prone to scratches and other damage, depending on the material used.
  • Maintenance - Medals may require regular cleaning and polishing to maintain their appearance.

Best alternatives

  1. Trophies - Traditional metal or wooden awards given to recognize achievement
  2. Plaques - Wall plaques typically made of wood, marble, or metal
  3. Certificates - Documents of recognition often printed on specialty paper
  4. Ribbons - Small colorful cloth strips often given with medals
  5. Rings - Traditional metal or wooden awards often with a gemstone

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Medal Ribbons - Ribbon fabric typically made from velvet or satin with the medal attached to the front. Medal Display Cases - Display cases made of crystal or wood for displaying medals. Medal Hangers - Hangers that attach to the wall used to display medals. Medal Accessories - Items such as polishing cloths, mounting pins, and replacement ribbons used to maintain medals.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of Medals?
    Medals typically come in two main types: commemorative medals, which are intended to mark a special event, and award medals, which are usually given to recognize achievement. Within these two categories, there are many subtypes, such as sports medals, academic medals, military medals, and so on.
  2. What materials are Medals typically made out of?
    Medals can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from metals like bronze, silver, and gold, to plastics, wood, and even paper. The type of material used will depend on the purpose of the medal and the budget of the purchaser.
  3. How much do Medals usually cost?
    The cost of medals will vary widely depending on the type of medal, the material it is made from, and the size and intricacy of the design. Generally speaking, medals made from metal can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
  4. What sizes are Medals available in?
    The size of a medal will depend on its purpose, but typically it can range anywhere from 1” to over 4” in diameter.
  5. Are Medals customizable?
    Yes, many medal manufacturers offer customization options for medals, such as engraving, adding a logo or text, custom shapes, and so on.

Trivia

In 1998, a gold medal that was awarded to the winner of the very first Olympic Games in 1896 was sold at auction for approximately $7 million dollars. This medal was sold to a private collector and is believed to be the most expensive Olympic medal ever sold. The medal was originally purchased by a Greek entrepreneur who intended to return the medal to its home country of Greece. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.