Are you struggling to get a clear price for custom medals¹? You see huge price differences and worry about hidden costs. I will break down the real costs for you, based on my 12+ years of experience.

A custom replica gold or bronze medal typically costs between $2.50 and $15.00 per piece. The final price depends on the base metal, size, quantity, and design complexity. The cost is not just about the plating color.

That is a wide price range. I know. I've spent over a decade at INIMAKER helping clients navigate these costs. The price difference comes down to a few key choices you'll make. It’s not simply about a "gold" or "bronze" finish. It's about what lies beneath the surface and the artistry you want to include. A medal for a local sports event has a different cost structure than a limited-edition corporate award. My goal is to show you where your money goes. This way, you can make informed decisions and get the best value for your project.

Let’s look at the main factors. The most important choices are the base metal, the size and thickness of the medal, the plating quality, your order quantity, and the level of customization. For example, I recently worked with a client, Mark from France. He needed 20,000 commemorative coins for his tourism business. His main concern was balancing a high-quality feel with a price that allowed for a good profit margin. We started by looking at the base material. Brass feels heavier and more premium, but zinc alloy is more cost-effective and is excellent for holding intricate designs. He chose zinc alloy because his design had a lot of small details of the Eiffel Tower. This choice alone saved him about 15% on the per-unit cost. Then we discussed quantity. An order of 20,000 units has a much lower per-piece cost than an order of 500 because the mold fee is spread across more items. Every detail, from the type of ribbon to the packaging, plays a role.

What are the key factors driving up medal costs?

You know the price range now. But what makes a medal cost $15 instead of $3? Let's look at the main cost drivers you need to be aware of.

The biggest cost drivers for medals² are one-time mold fees for custom shapes and 3D designs, intricate details with multiple enamel colors, low order quantities (under 500 pieces), and the use of premium materials like brass or real gold plating.

Mold Fees: The One-Time Investment

Every unique medal shape requires a custom mold. This is a steel block that we engrave with your design.

• What it is: A fixed, one-time cost to create the tool that will stamp your medals.
• Cost Impact: The cost can range from $150 to $500, depending on the medal's size and complexity (2D vs. 3D). This fee is a major factor in small orders. For a 100-piece order, a $200 mold fee adds $2.00 to each medal. For a 2,000-piece order, it only adds $0.10.
• My Advice: If you plan to reorder the same design later, we keep your mold on file. This means repeat clients don't pay the mold fee again, which is a huge saving.

Material Choice: Brass vs. Zinc Alloy

The metal we use for the core of your medal is a primary cost factor. I often discuss this with technical buyers like Klaus from Germany, who asks very detailed questions.

Klaus also asks about sustainability. We offer recycled zinc alloy options and can provide carbon footprint reports, which is important for companies with ESG goals.

Plating and Finishes: Not All Gold is Equal

The "gold" or "bronze" color on your medal is a thin layer of metal plating. The type and thickness of this plating directly affect the cost and durability.

• Standard Plating: Options like antique gold, bright silver, or antique bronze are very common and affordable.
• Premium Plating: For clients like Aisha from the UAE, who requires luxury items for diplomatic gifts, we offer 18K gold electroplating. This can double the cost of the medal but provides a true look and feel of gold.
• Durability: We developed a patent-pending "ColorLock" technology. It's an anti-oxidation coating that prevents enamel fading and tarnishing for over 10 years. This adds a small cost but guarantees the medal's longevity, a key concern for high-value commemorative pieces.

Quantity (MOQ): The Power of Economies of Scale

As mentioned before, quantity is king. Our production lines are automated. Setting them up takes time and labor. The cost of that setup is the same whether we produce 100 medals or 10,000.

• Low Quantity: For orders around our MOQ of 100 pieces, the per-unit cost is highest because the setup costs are divided among fewer items.
• High Quantity: For large orders, the setup costs become a tiny fraction of the total price, bringing the per-unit cost way down. This is how we delivered 20,000 coins to our French client at a very competitive price.

How can I reduce the cost of my custom medals without sacrificing quality?

You are on a tight budget but still need amazing medals. It is possible. You do not have to compromise on a great-looking medal. Let me show you how.

To reduce costs effectively, choose zinc alloy instead of brass, simplify your design by using fewer enamel colors, increase your order quantity to over 500 pieces, and select standard, professional packaging instead of custom boxes.

Smart Design Simplification

A complex design is a major cost driver. But "simple" does not mean "boring."

• Reduce Colors: Each soft enamel color is injected by hand. Reducing the number of colors from ten to four can lower labor costs significantly.
• Use 2D Instead of 3D: A 3D design with multiple levels requires a more complex and expensive mold. A well-designed 2D medal can look just as impressive and save you money on the mold fee.
• Focus on Finishes: Sometimes, an elegant antique bronze finish with no color fill looks more classic and expensive than a brightly colored medal. It's also cheaper to produce.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Rush Fees

Good planning is a simple way to save money. Our standard lead time is about 15 days.

• Rush Orders: We do offer a 5-day rush service for repeat clients. But this requires us to reschedule production and often involves higher shipping costs. These extra fees can add 20-30% to your total cost.
• Avoid Missed Deadlines: I’ve seen clients like Mark worry about missing the tourist season. By ordering 4-6 weeks in advance, you avoid rush fees and ensure your medals arrive on time.

Leverage Your Supplier's Strengths

A good partner can help you find savings. As a full-cycle manufacturer, we control the entire process. This means we can offer unique advantages.

• Shipping: We have partnerships with DHL and FedEx. We offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms. This means the price we quote you includes all shipping and customs fees. There are no surprise costs when the package arrives at your door.
• Free Samples: For large orders (over $5,000), we offer a free physical sample. This lets you approve the quality before we start mass production, eliminating the risk of getting something you don't love.
• Expert Advice: Talk to us. We can look at your design and suggest small changes that will reduce the price without hurting the quality. Sometimes, making a medal 2mm smaller or slightly thinner can lead to real savings.

Conclusion

The cost of a custom medal depends on your choices of material, design, and quantity. Understanding these factors helps you control your budget. A good supplier will guide you to find the perfect balance between quality and price for your project.