What are the features of a medal?

Medals are traditionally struck with dies on a strong metal flan or planchet or cast from a mold. The imagery, which usually includes the inscription, is typically in low relief, however, it is frequently raised above that of coins: Limited-edition medals can be struck in multiple strikes, allowing for more metal displacement than coins minted in a single strike for mass circulation. The most frequent type of medal is a circular medal; rectangular medals are often referred to as plaquettes. Other shapes, particularly crosses and stars, are frequently used by "decoration" types. These typically have a suspension loop and a wide-colored ribbon with a clip at the top for connecting to garments worn on the chest.

The obverse is the main or front surface of a medal and may have a portrait, a pictorial scene, or another image as well as an inscription. The reverse, or rear surface, of the medal, is not always used and may be left blank or feature a secondary design. It is not rare to see merely an aesthetic portrayal on the obverse, with all details and other information about the medal inscribed on the reverse. The rim is only used on rare occasions to display an inscription such as a motto, privy mark, engraver sign, assayer's marking, or series number.

Medals designed to be hung from a ribbon have a small suspension element at the crest through which a suspension ring can be looped. A ribbon is run or folded through the ring to allow the medal to hang pendently. Medals pinned to the breast require simply a little piece of ribbon connected to a top bar to which the brooch pin is attached. Top bars can be buried beneath the ribbon, a plain mechanism to which the ribbon is attached, or even ornate to compliment the design on the medal. Some top bars are complex and include their design.

Because of its low cost, durability, ease of work when casting, and widespread availability, bronze has been the most commonly used material to create medals. However, a variety of other media have also been employed. Rarer metals such as silver, platinum, and gold, as well as base metals and alloys such as copper, brass, iron, aluminum, lead, zinc, nickel, and pewter, have been used to add value beyond the mere artistic depiction. Medals made of inexpensive materials may be gilded, silver-plated, chased, or otherwise finished to improve their appearance. Rock, gemstone, ivory, glass, porcelain, terra cotta, coal, wood, paper, enamel, lacquerware, and plastics have all been used to create medals. Click here for All Shape Available Antique Gold Silver Copper Bronze Medals.