What’s an Olympic Medal Worth?

Standing on the podiums in the Olympic Games is priceless. But those of the collecting persuasion might wonder: how much are those coveted medals really worth? Dallas-based precious metals firm Dillon Gage Metals decided to find out. “The value of gold medals is a curious inquiry we receive, especially around the time of the Olympics,” says Terry Hanlon, president of Dillon Gage Metals. “It’s one of the most recognizable medals in the world, so it’s natural for people to wonder what it’s made of and what it’s actually worth.”

Despite their name, Olympic gold medals are not solid gold. Per International Olympic Committee rules, they are made primarily of silver and plated with a layer of gold. The Milano Cortina 2026 gold medal is 500g of .999-fine silver and 6g of .9999-fine gold, which brings the combined metal value to approximately $2,357.56 in today’s market. The silver medal, with 500g of .999-fine silver, comes out to $1,398.96. Lastly, the bronze medal, made of 420 grams of copper, has an approximate value of $5.46. (All calculations are based on spot prices of $4,967.78 per troy ounce of gold, $87 per troy ounce of silver, and $5.90 per pound of copper.)

Dillon Gage Metals also determined the value of a hypothetical solid gold Olympic medal. Using the dimensions of the Milan Cortina silver medals, a solid gold medal would have an estimated volume of 47.6 cubic centimeters and contain approximately 919g of gold, bringing its value to $146,800. 

The 2026 Medals

A multidisciplinary team led by Raffaella Panié designed the 2026 Olympic medals. The Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute produced the pieces. The design features a split-surface to symbolize the unity of the host cities and the collective effort behind each victory. The two halves also reflect Olympic and Paralympic values coming together. Each medal measures 80mm in diameter and is 10mm thick. The organizers emphasized sustainability throughout the production process by using recycled metals, renewable energy, and Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified packaging.