Olympic Gold Medal Composition and Specifications
Olympic gold medals are not solid gold. For Paris 2024, each medal contains 98.8 percent silver and 1.13 percent gold plating, with a total weight of 529 grams, a diameter of 85 millimeters, and a thickness of 9.2 millimeters. The gold layer must be at least 6 microns thick to meet International Olympic Committee standards. The reverse side features Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, stepping out of the Panathenaic Stadium, while the obverse shows the Olympic rings. Forbes details the exact alloy composition and historical changes. The medals are produced by the French Mint, Monnaie de Paris, under a contract awarded in 2021.
The IOC requires a minimum of 6 grams of gold content for plating, but the actual gold weight per medal is roughly 6 grams. Silver makes up the bulk, with the core being pure silver before plating. Each medal includes a unique serial number and the Olympic rings. The Paris 2024 medals also contain a hexagon-shaped piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, embedded in the outer rim. The IOC sets strict guidelines on dimensions, weight, and design to ensure consistency across all Games. The official Paris 2024 medals page explains the design and materials.
Manufacturing Process and Production Chain
The production starts with silver and gold sourced from certified refiners. The French Mint receives raw silver and gold, then casts large ingots that are rolled into thin sheets. The sheets are cut into circular blanks using hydraulic presses. Each blank is struck multiple times at high pressure to imprint the design, with the obverse and reverse produced in a single strike cycle. The blanks are then electroplated with a thin layer of gold. Monnaie de Paris explains the minting technology and quality controls.
After plating, the medals are polished, cleaned, and inspected for surface defects. The IOC and the organizing committee conduct random quality checks on weight, diameter, and thickness. The medals are then mounted on a ribbon, which is made of woven red, white, and blue silk for Paris 2024. The ribbon passes through a slot in the medal and is tied in a specific knot. Each medal box is made of recycled materials and features the Paris 2024 emblem. The IOC confirms the manufacturing steps and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Cost, Suppliers, and Market Value
The total cost of producing Olympic medals is not publicly disclosed in full, but estimates for Paris 2024 suggest roughly 500,000 euros for all 2,500 medals combined. The French Mint handles production, while the IOC contracts the design and materials sourcing. The gold used is typically sourced from refiners certified by the London Bullion Market Association. The silver is usually sourced from recycled and newly mined sources, with the IOC requiring conflict-free supply chains.