Whether you're organising a race, planning a school event, or recognising your team’s hard work, finding the right medals can be surprisingly hard. There are tons of options out there—some cheap, others with a more premium price tag—and it’s not always clear what you’re actually getting for your money. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert to make sure you land on the right option for you. This guide will walk you through the types of medals available, what they cost, and how to choose the best custom medal maker for your needs.
What Do Custom Medals Cost?
Custom medals can cost anywhere from under £1 to over £50 each, depending on the style, materials, and how personalised you want them to be. If you’re just browsing around online, it can be hard to tell what makes one medal cost £1 and another £20 whether it’s even worth the difference. In general, you will find that buying one highly customised medal (for example, for a person winning a special award) will be at a higher price range in comparison to buying bulk medals (for example, for participation in a long-distance race).
To help you make sense of it all, here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of medals and what you can expect to pay:
| Medal Type | Typical Price (Per Medal) | Best For | Customisation Level |
| Budget Stock Medals | £0.50–£1.50 ($0.75–$2) | School sports, fun runs, large giveaways | Minimal (label inserts or engraving) |
| Mid-Range Custom Medals | £2–£8 ($4–$10) | Club events, sports races, branded promos | Full design, colours, custom moulds |
| Premium Bespoke Medals | £10–£50+ ($12–$60+) | Marathons, corporate awards, ceremonies | High-detail 3D, plating, packaging |
Are Cheap Medals Ever “Good Enough”?
When planning events, new requests can pop up out of nowhere and suddenly you just need a medal—fast, cheap, and in bulk. And for certain events, that’s totally okay.
Budget medals, often imported, can cost as little as 50p each, and they're usually made from lightweight metals, plastic, or zinc alloy. You’ll find these at a whole range of websites, and they’re often pre-made with standard designs or minimal customization (like inserting a printed label or engraving a few characters).
They’re popular for:
- School sports days
- Charity fun runs
- Local tournaments
- Kids’ participation awards
The upsides?
- Super affordable
- Fast shipping (if they’re in stock)
- No or minimum design effort
The downsides?
- Limited or no branding
- Thinner, lower-quality materials
- Mass-produced overseas which means quality and delivery times might be hit or miss
Top Tip: If you’re ordering from a low-cost overseas supplier, make sure to ask about lead times, quality checks, and hidden fees like customs or VAT. What seems cheap upfront can sometimes cost you in the long run.
Mid-Range Custom Medals: The Sweet Spot for Most Events
If you want something that looks great, feels meaningful, and still fits your budget, you probably want something in the mid-range.
Mid-range custom medals usually fall between £2–£8 each (or $4–$10), and they’re where most s event organisers land. These medals often give you much more options for customisation than budget options, which means you can design something that actually represents your brand, team, or event, rather than handing out a generic “1st Place” on a ribbon.
Popular features you can find with mid-range medals:
- Custom shapes and moulds
- Soft or hard enamel colouring
- Various finishes (antique, matte, shiny)
- Your logo or message integrated into the design
- Matching ribbons, often branded
They’re perfect for:
- Running races and triathlons
- Sports leagues and tournaments
- School championships
- Corporate wellness events
Top Tip: This is the budget range where working with a custom medal maker can really pay off. At MedalStudio, we design every medal from scratch, based on your goals, budget, and vibe, whether that’s bold and modern or timeless and classic. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Premium Bespoke Medals: For When You Need a Showstopper
Planning a high-profile event or awards ceremony? Sometimes you need a medal that is really going to stand out and matches the prestige of the award that is being given.
Premium custom medals typically range from £10–£50+ each ($12–$60+), and they come with all the bells and whistles: ultra-detailed design, premium metals, 3D moulding, dual plating, and luxury packaging.
Standout premium medal features include:
- Die-struck brass or iron with 3D relief
- Dual metal finishes (e.g. gold + black nickel)
- Intricate enamel work
- Velvet boxes or branded presentation cases
- Custom ribbon designs with event branding
Ideal for:
- Marathons and major endurance events
- Military or commemorative awards
- Executive recognition
- Limited edition collector medals
At this level, you’re telling a story with every detail, and that’s where a premium custom medal maker can help you shine. You want to find someone who will work hand-in-hand with you from sketch to delivery, ensuring your medals make a lasting impression.
What Affects Medal Pricing?
Whether you’re spending £1 or £50 per piece, you want to know that you are getting what you are paying for.
Here are the biggest factors that influence the price of a custom medal:
1. Material
- Lower-cost medals may use materials like acrylic
- Premium medals may use brass or even precious metal finishes
2. Size and Weight
- Bigger medals cost more in both material and mould complexity
- Heavier medals feel more premium but also cost more to ship
3. Design Complexity
- Simple flat shapes cost less
- 3D moulds, cutouts, layering, and textures add to the price
4. Finish and Colour
- Antique, matte, or dual finishes are more labour-intensive
- Enamel (especially hard enamel) adds cost but looks great
5. Ribbon and Packaging
- Plain neck ribbons are standard
- Custom printed ribbons and velvet boxes add to the cost
6. Quantity
- The more you order, the less you pay per medal
- Most custom medal makers have a minimum order (often 50–100 units)
7. Production & Delivery Location
- Overseas suppliers may offer cheaper prices—but longer lead times and uncertain quality
- Local makers like MedalStudio provide faster, more reliable service and ethical production.
Let’s Design A Medal Worth Keeping
Whether you're looking for affordable medals or show stopping pieces for a major event, the right custom medal maker makes all the difference.
At MedalStudio, we blend expert design, ethical UK and US production, and fast, friendly service so that you get medals that look incredible and arrive on time.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Get in touch for a free quote or send us your ideas and we’ll help you make medals people want to keep forever.
Updated: 22/04/2025