TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026 has been underway for only a few days, drawing global attention to the international athletes’ performances. But as much as these Olympians and their record-breaking moments are in the spotlight, it’s not uncommon for curiosity to turn toward the prize itself: the Olympic gold medal.
Despite what its name may suggest, the modern Olympic gold medal isn’t made of solid gold. But this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, early editions of the games once awarded medals crafted entirely from gold, before changes were introduced over time.
So what exactly is the shiny Olympic gold medal made of today? And does it still hold its worth?
Is the Olympic Gold Medal Made of Real Gold?
According to Investopedia, Olympic gold medals were indeed made entirely of gold for a brief period in history, beginning in 1904. However, following World War I, the rising cost of precious metals made this practice unsustainable.
As a result, the 1912 Summer Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, marked the last time athletes were awarded medals crafted from pure gold, as reported by CBS News.
Today, the Olympic gold medal is primarily made of silver. Each medal typically contains around 523 grams of sterling silver, finished with approximately six grams of gold plating. Both the silver core and the gold coating are 99.9% pure, as USA Today noted.
The Olympic gold medal features a highly refined appearance while carrying immense symbolic significance. In terms of size, it measures about 80 millimeters in diameter and roughly 10 millimeters in thickness, giving it a substantial and prestigious feel.
Is an Olympic Gold Medal Worthy?
Whether an Olympic gold medal is considered “worthy” in monetary terms is ultimately subjective. However, its material value is relatively modest. USA Today estimates that six grams of gold are worth around $960 at current prices as of February 6, while the silver content is valued at approximately $1,250. Together, the gold and silver components give each Olympic gold medal a total material value of about $2,210.
That said, winning any of the 245 gold medals at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represents far more than a financial prize. Its true value lies beyond numbers, standing as a powerful symbol of years of hard work, perseverance, and athletic excellence.
Read: Winter Olympics 2026: All Official Venues and Host Cities
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
