Are you wondering what Olympic medals are made of?
One might think that these types of medals are made entirely of gold, silver, or bronze—but that’s not quite the case! Understanding their materials will give you a fascinating glimpse into history.
At MedalStudio, we’ve spent years crafting high-quality custom medals, so we know exactly what goes into making them and how their composition has changed over time.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll break down the materials used in the following Olympic medals:
- Gold
- Silver
- Bronze
We’ll also share some interesting facts about the evolution of Olympic medals and the extraordinary materials that have been used in them.
Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
#1 Gold Medals
One might assume that the gold medals awarded at every Olympic Games are made entirely of gold, but that is not the case.
According to the International Olympic Committee, gold medals must be composed of 92.5% silver and contain at least 6 grams of gold to maintain their golden appearance. In total, they weigh approximately 500 grams and are valued at $1,027 USD.
But, this has not always been the case. At the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games, medals were indeed made entirely of gold. However, over time, the cost of the material increased significantly, making the production of each medal extremely expensive, reaching thousands of dollars.
Due to the high cost and limited availability of gold, the Olympic Committee established a rule requiring that medals contain at least 6 grams of gold.
#2 Silver Medals
The Olympic silver medals, unlike the gold ones, are indeed primarily composed of this material. In fact, approximately 92.5% of their composition is pure silver.
The remainder of the medal is usually made of copper, which provides greater durability without affecting its appearance. Olympic silver medals weigh around 550 grams, have a diameter of 85 mm and are valued at $535 USD.
Interestingly, in the first modern Olympic Games, winners only received silver medals. It wasn’t until 1904 that gold medals were introduced, granting greater prestige to first place.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of medals, don’t forget to check out our blog!
#3 Bronze Medals
Approximately 95% of Olympic bronze medals are composed of copper, with the remaining portion made up of zinc and iron. These medals weigh around 455 grams and must have a minimum thickness of 3mm.
Unlike gold and silver medals, bronze medals are not made from precious materials, giving them a monetary value of only $4.60 USD.
However, their true worth extends far beyond money. These medals symbolise the sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication of the athletes who earn them.
Innovative Materials in Olympic Medals
The design of Olympic medals changes with each edition of the Games. While they must adhere to specific rules and standards regarding size, weight, and materials, host countries have the freedom to add a touch of creativity and innovation.
Here are some of the most innovative materials used in Olympic medals:
- Beijing 2008: These Olympic medals featured jade inlaid on the reverse side, engraved with a dragon pattern symbolising nobility and honour.
- Tokyo 2020: The medals for these Games were created using over 78,000 tonnes of discarded electronic devices, From these, several kilograms of gold, silver, and bronze were extracted and repurposed to craft the medals.
- Paris 2024: Each medal, whether gold, silver, or bronze, contains a hexagonal piece of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower during maintenance and preservation efforts. This iconic element ensures that athletes will cherish the memory of these Games.
The True Composition of Olympic Medals
As you may have noticed, Olympic medals are not entirely made of gold, silver, or bronze but are instead a mix of metals. Gold medals are primarily made of silver with 6 grams of gold, silver medals are largely composed of silver, and bronze medals are mainly made of copper.
We hope this article has given you a brief glimpse into history. If you have any questions or need help designing your medals, please get in touch via [email protected], or give us a ring at 01377 250449.
Updated: 14/02/2025