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Gold medals

Gold medals, like gold coins, are a store of value and an investment opportunity for those who want to preserve their wealth. They are also made of precious metals and are minted to commemorate various important anniversaries, historical events, personalities, etc. They cover a wide range of topics.

The difference between a gold investment coin or a rarity coin is that a medal does not carry a face value, i.e. it is not guaranteed by the state and central bank by which it is issued, so it is not official tender and its acceptability on world markets is limited. Rather, it is a local issue and its liquidity is limited to a particular market, not the whole world as is the case with world coins.

The value of gold medals lies firstly in the metal from which they are made, secondly in the number of pieces in a single mintage and in the artistic design.

Medals can therefore be struck by virtually anyone, e.g. a government institution, a business entity, etc.

To produce a commemorative medal, the sculptor first creates an enlarged model in ceramic clay, which is then cast in plaster and then reduced to the desired size using a reduction machine. The stamp is then heat treated to the required hardness. The surface is then polished and smoothed.

The metal is deposited in a round ring between the outer and inner side of the stamp. Thanks to the pressure exerted on both sides, the medal is produced.

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History of medals - or a medal is not a coin...

The history of medals goes far back in history, dating back to the ancient period. They were minted for various representational purposes, but even though they were coins, they were never circulated but kept as a souvenir. They were called medallions. The first medal that can be considered commemorative was created in the 15th century by the Italian engraver and sculptor Pisanello. The medal depicts the Byzantine Emperor John VIII.

The popularity of the medals quickly spread among monarchs throughout Europe. They used them to depict their military achievements, the birth of descendants, various events, etc. Medals at the time served as a kind of representational device and were usually given to distinguished guests.

Medals experienced a great boom in the 16th century, when they were used as part of clothing, as ornaments and thus played an important aesthetic role. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the production of medals was seen as an important asset of the state. Thus, most medals were produced in state mints and designed by leading engravers.

Nowadays, the medal is also seen as an investment opportunity. However, there is also still confusion between coins and medals.In the following table, we will look at the differences and common features that coins and medals have.

Parameters	Gold medals	Gold coins (rare)
Very limited issue size	YES (in pieces,tens,hundreds, thousands)	YES (in pieces, tens, hundreds, thousands)
High quality mintage - Proof	YES (special mintage)	YES (special embossing)
Original packaging	YES (original cases in which the medals are delivered)	YES (original cases in which the coins are delivered)
Certificate	YES (they are certified)	YES (they are certified)
Rarity	YES (limited edition, no more to be minted)	YES (limited edition, no more to be issued)
Evaluation	NO ALWAYS (depends on significance, etc.)	YES (appreciates in value over time)
Quick liquidity	NO (investment for longer time horizon)	NO (investment for a longer time horizon)
VAT	YES (subject to VAT)	NO (VAT exempt)
Decrease in the price of gold	NO (the medal retains its value even if the price of the metal falls, it does not fall, it increases over time)	NO (coin retains its value even if the price of the metal falls, does not fall, increases over time)
Nominal value	NO (no face value)	YES (nominal value)
Official tender	NO (not official tender)	YES (official currency of the country)
Minting - official authority	NO (can be minted by a government institution, private entity, etc.	YES (recognized by law, guaranteed by central banks, state)
Global recognition by investors	NO (local character)	YES (worldwide acceptability)