The tradition of awarding medals to honour athletic prowess has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. When you are planning to buy medals, you are participating in an ancient tradition.
Read about the rich history of medals before you pop over to view our online collection of gold, silver and medals for sale.
Alternative Awards Throughout History
Before the adoption of medals, victors in ancient competitions were honoured with various prizes. In the ancient Olympic Games, 776 BCE to 393 CE, winners received an olive wreath, known as a “kotinos,” crafted from the sacred wild olive tree near the temple of Zeus at Olympia. This symbolised honour and glory rather than material wealth.
Emperor Theodosius I of Rome, seeking to solidify Christianity’s dominance and eliminate pagan practices, outlawed the Games in 393 CE.
The First Medals
Medals have been awarded for achievements in ancient history beyond the Olympics. While the ancient Olympic Games popularised the idea of honouring victors with olive wreaths and later medals, many civilisations had their own ways of recognising exceptional contributions
- Ancient Rome: Military Decorations – The Romans were among the first to award medals (called phalerae) to soldiers for acts of bravery and distinguished service. These were often gold, silver, or bronze medals.
- Ancient Egypt: Golden Fly Medals – Egyptian pharaohs, particularly during the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE), awarded the Golden Fly medal to warriors who displayed exceptional endurance and valour in battle.
- Ancient China: Silk and Jade Honours – The Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) used jade discs (bi) to honour nobility and military achievements.
- Medieval Europe: Knighthood and Medals – European rulers awarded knights with medallions for acts of valour.
- Persian Empire: Armlets and Pendants – Persian kings of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE) awarded decorated armlets, golden torques and ceremonial weapons.
The Transition & Modern Medals
The practice of awarding medals became widespread in the Renaissance and early modern periods. European monarchs began issuing medals for military victories, scientific discoveries and diplomatic achievements, laying the foundation for the awards we see today.
In the inaugural modern Olympic Games of 1896 in Athens, winners were bestowed with silver medals and olive branches, while runners-up received bronze medals and laurel branches. The now-familiar sequence of gold, silver and bronze medals for first, second and third places was introduced at the 1904 St. Louis Olympics.
Why Gold, Silver & Bronze?
The selection of gold, silver and bronze as the standard for first, second and third-place medals is deeply rooted in both mythology and the intrinsic value of these metals.
In Greek mythology, these metals correspond to the Ages of Man: the Golden Age, a time of prosperity and peace; the Silver Age, marked by a decline from the golden era; and the Bronze Age, associated with heroes and warfare.
This progression symbolises the hierarchy of achievement. Additionally, the rarity and value of these metals make them suitable symbols for ranking excellence.
Metal Compositions
In the early 20th century, Olympic gold medals were made of solid gold. However, due to economic constraints and the scarcity of resources, this practice was discontinued after the 1912 Olympics.
Today, Olympic gold medals are primarily composed of sterling silver and are coated with a minimum of six grams of pure gold. Silver medals are made entirely of sterling silver, while bronze medals are typically a blend of copper and tin.
The Enduring Legacy of Medals
Today, medals remain a universal symbol of accomplishment, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. They are awarded in various fields, from sports to academic, corporate, civil and military achievements, each carrying a legacy of honour and recognition.
The evolution from olive wreaths to gold, silver and bronze medals underscores humanity’s enduring desire to celebrate excellence and commemorate success.
Browse our medals for sale and celebrate the hard work, dedication and incredible effort of your team the right way!