Many viewers often wonder what metal is in the prestigious Olympic gold medals awarded to top athletes. The composition of these medals has evolved over the years, and understanding their current composition offers fascinating insights into their value and significance.
How It's Made: Olympic Medals
Here's everything you need to know about the materials used in making Olympic gold medals and the historical changes in their composition.
No, Olympic gold medals are not made of pure gold. Manufacturers use primarily silver and then coat the medals with a thin layer of pure gold for a prestigious and durable finish.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) requires that gold medals contain at least 92.5% silver and have a plating of at least 6 grams of pure gold. This combination ensures that the medals look gold, but are primarily silver at their core. This practice balances the prestigious appearance of the medal with cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
