Medals are traditionally awarded to the top three highest achievers in a competition. Materials normally used to make these kinds of medals were gold, silver and bronze. Each represents the level of merit achieved. Respectively, first, second and third winners, the gold medal, the silver medal and the bronze medal. The same rule applies in today’s competition. Back then, they really use gold, silver and bronze metals to make the medals, so the medals themselves hold value and it is not just a symbol of one’s triumph. Now you can buy medals that are color-plated to resemble the correct metal colors, but are made from cheaper metals. It is still possible to have one custom made from the material of your choice and engraved with your own design, however. Originally, this was awarded in athletic competitions for the top 3 winners. Only laurel wreaths were to be given to scholars during recognitions, now they give medals insead. In other fields, medals are given too, but not always with gold, silver and bronze to indicate levels.
The three Ages of Man in the Greek Mythology were the inspiration for choosing the metals and their levels. The Golden Age, was known to be the best age, when the gods and man lived together in perfect harmony and man lived for a very long time and died of peaceful death. The Silver Age began when Zeus over came the Titans. Man did not honor the gods and were created of lesser quality. They were later on destroyed and so began the Bronze Age. The new men were passionate for war, strong and violent.
Military models were not always the usual circular shape, they differ in shape, size and used ribbons for distinction. Intricate details of pictures and texts are adorned in the medals. Most military medals are pinned to the officer’s uniform from the short printed ribbon, but usually it is worn around the neck. The medals that are most popular are the Nobel Prize and Medal of Honor. Although a medal is most valuable to the recipient, collectors buy medals when they can. Prestigious medals are rarely sold making it even more valuable a collection.