What Is a Gold Medal Made Of
Modern Olympic gold medals are not solid gold. They are primarily made of silver coated with a thin layer of gold. The International Olympic Committee requires that gold medals contain at least six grams of pure gold plating over a silver core.
Gold Medal Composition and Specifications
Each gold medal must be at least 70 millimeters in diameter and three millimeters thick. The outer layer is typically 24 karat gold, while the interior is sterling silver or a silver alloy. This design keeps production costs manageable while maintaining the traditional appearance.
How Gold Medals Are Produced
Manufacturers strike the design onto a silver blank and then electroplate the surface with gold. The process ensures a durable finish that meets official standards. For more details on Olympic medal specifications, visit Olympics.com Olympic Medals.
