Medal

Medal

A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are given as awards. They may be intended to be worn, suspended from clothing or jewellery in some way. They are traditionally struck like a coin by dies.

History

The first known instances of medals were the Eleusinian Mysteries which were small, thin, terracotta pieces in the shape of people. The first known instances of real medals made from valuable metals were issued by the Greeks of Alexander the Great.

Types of Medals

There are several types of medals, including:

• Order Medals: These are awarded by a government to an individual for services to a country. Examples include the Order of Merit or the Order of the British Empire.
• Campaign Medals: These are awarded to military personnel who serve in a particular campaign or war. Examples include the World War II Victory Medal.
• Long Service Medals: These are awarded to individuals who have served a long period of time in a particular job or service. Examples include the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
• Commemorative Medals: These are issued to commemorate a particular event, anniversary or person. Examples include the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

See Also

• Medal of Honor
• Nobel Prize
• Olympic medal
• Military decoration
• Medal collecting

References

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  Portrait medal of Cecilia Gonzaga

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  Pisanello, medaglia di Cecilia Gonzaga

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  Dupont KBS-FRB

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  Medals

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  Peter Flötner Vanitas

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  GCRomano3

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  7a 1572

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  Pisanello, medaglia di Giovanni Paleologo

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  Medals of Honor

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  Paasikivi medal by Haivaoja

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  Kur Fraternity, Krakow

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  1896 Olympic medal