There are moments in life that money simply cannot buy, and winning an Olympic medal is one such experience. These medals symbolize the immense dedication, struggle, and passion athletes pour into their pursuit of excellence. For athletes, these medals are more valuable than their monetary worth; they represent honor and the realization of a lifelong dream.
But what is the actual monetary value of an Olympic medal? How much do these coveted medals cost in currency? And how are gold, silver, and bronze medals crafted?
Take the Paris Olympics as an example. Paris, the city of love, is best known for its iconic Eiffel Tower. This year, Olympic medalists will return home with not just a medal, but also a piece of the Eiffel Tower, as a part of history.
As unusual as it sounds, it’s true: this year’s Olympic medals have been crafted by melting iron from the Eiffel Tower. Since its completion in 1889, the Eiffel Tower has undergone periodic maintenance. During these maintenance sessions, iron frames that posed a structural risk were removed and replaced. These removed iron pieces were used to create the medals for this year’s Olympics.
French jewelry company Chaumet, established in the 18th century, has played a significant role in crafting the Olympic medals, adding unique touches to this year’s design. At the center of each medal is a hexagonal iron plate symbolizing the map of France, made from the iron of the Eiffel Tower.
Moreover, each medal is designed with radiant light-like lines. However, as per Olympic tradition, the reverse side of the medal remains unchanged, featuring the image of Athena Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, a symbol that has adorned Olympic medals for generations.
The gold medal weighs 529 grams. Despite its name, it contains only 6 grams of gold, with the remainder primarily made of silver. The medal’s core includes 18 grams of iron from the Eiffel Tower. In monetary terms, the gold medal is valued at approximately $950, or around 112,000 Bangladeshi Taka.
The silver medal, weighing 525 grams, consists of 507 grams of silver and 18 grams of Eiffel Tower iron. It is valued at $486, or approximately 57,000 Bangladeshi Taka.
The bronze medal is the lightest, weighing just 455 grams. Made from a mixture of copper and zinc, it contains 415 grams of copper, 21 grams of zinc, and 18 grams of iron from the Eiffel Tower. Compared to the gold and silver medals, the bronze medal is significantly less expensive, valued at just $13, or around 1,600 Bangladeshi Taka.
An Olympic medal is a symbol of dreams and emotions, carrying no monetary sound but offering athletes the opportunity to stand at the pinnacle of honor and glory.
