The 2024 Paris Olympics are now right around the corner, and the world’s best athletes are preparing to battle for glory. The ultimate symbol of their achievements is the Olympic medal. They represent years of dedication, gruelling training, and the pinnacle of athletic success.
Gold medals are not pure gold
The iconic Olympic medals come in three tiers: gold, silver, and bronze. Each medal signifies a different level of achievement, but their composition might surprise you.
While they may appear to be solid gold, Olympic gold medals are primarily made of silver (92.5 percent). A thin layer of pure gold (approx. 6 gms) is then applied for that distinctive shine.
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Sliver medals are almost equivalent of gold
A silver medal is the same as a gold medal, minus the gold plating. Silver medals are crafted from high-quality silver (92.5–1000 grade), while bronze medals are a unique blend of 95% copper and 5% zinc.
How much do Olympic medals cost
The true worth of an Olympic medal goes far beyond the value of the materials it’s made from.
This year, the Olympic medals were designed by a company named Chaumet. The medals have slightly greater value than the previous medals, due to their unique design, featuring a piece of the Eiffel Tower. According to NBC Sports, the gold medals at the summer games cost around $750 (approximately ₹51,000). Also, silver and bronze medals would be valued even lower.
The silver medal is valued at around $450 (approximately ₹37,000), while a bronze medal’s worth is roughly $5 (₹400-500).