When I first held both items in my hands, I struggled to tell them apart. Medals and coins share similar materials and manufacturing techniques, but their purposes create distinct differences. Let me break down what really sets them apart.
The key difference lies in their primary function: medals recognize achievements through detailed designs, while coins serve as legal tender or collectibles with standardized values. Medals prioritize symbolic meaning over monetary worth, whereas coins balance artistic elements with practical circulation needs.
Last year, a client nearly ordered 5,000 coins instead of medals for a marathon event - a costly misunderstanding. Let's examine the specifics through five crucial questions.
What Are the Three Types of Medals?
Military medals tell stories of courage through symbolic imagery like eagles and shields. The Congressional Medal of Honor features a Minerva head surrounded by battle scenes.
The three main medal categories are achievement medals1 (sports/academic), commemorative medals2 (historical events), and service medals (military/civil). Each type uses specific design elements to communicate its purpose.
Material Choices Across Medal Types
| Medal Type | Common Materials | Typical Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Medals | Zinc alloy, iron | 3-5mm |
| Military Medals | Brass, bronze | 2-4mm |
| Commemorative | Silver-plated zinc | 4-6mm |
Commemorative medals often use dual plating - gold over silver for depth. Our factory's "ColorLock" technology prevents color fading in these layered designs.
Are Coins Made Out of Medal?
This common confusion stems from similar manufacturing processes. Both items undergo striking and plating, but their material compositions differ.
Coins aren't made from medal materials. Coins use regulated alloys (like cupronickel) for durability, while medals prioritize decorative finishes like antique patinas. Government mints control coin materials, whereas medal makers select metals for visual impact.
The 2024 Paris Olympics medals contain recycled smartphone components - a practice never used in coin production. Our factory offers similar sustainable options using ISO-certified recycled zinc alloys.
What Are the Two Sides of a Medal Called?
During production, we use separate dies for each face. The front die strikes the main design, while the reverse die adds secondary details.
The two sides are called the obverse (front/main design) and reverse (back). Military medals often feature unit insignias on the reverse, while commemorative coins show event dates.
Obverse vs Reverse Design Elements
- Obverse
- Primary imagery (portraits/emblems)
- Central design focus
- Reverse
- Secondary details (dates/mottos)
- Technical specifications
Our 3D design team ensures proper depth alignment between both sides, crucial for multi-layer engravings.
What is a Blank Coin Called?
In our production line, blanks undergo three quality checks before striking. We XRF-test each blank for material purity.
A blank coin is called a planchet3. These unstruck metal discs get fed into coin presses at 350 tons of pressure. Medal blanks are slightly thicker to accommodate deeper reliefs.
Planchet Preparation Steps
- Metal sheet cutting
- Edge smoothing
- Annealing (heat treatment)
- Surface cleaning
Our ISO-certified facility produces planchets with 0.01mm precision - critical for intricate designs like military challenge coins.
What is the Face of Coins or Medals Called?
The terminology differs between coins and medals due to their distinct purposes:
Coins use "heads" (monarch/leader portrait) and "tails" (value/design). Medals use "obverse4" for primary imagery and "reverse5" for secondary elements.
Corporate clients often request dual-purpose designs - our RFID-embedded medals for tech conferences feature interactive "tails" sides with digital triggers.
Custom Solutions for Educators & Collectors
At INIMAKER®, we've produced over 500 educational coin sets since 2020. Our museum-grade replicas help history teachers demonstrate ancient minting techniques.
Why our coins work for education:
- Safe nickel-free plating
- Customizable timelines on edges
- Interactive QR code integration
For collectors, we offer:
- Dual plating options (gold + rhodium)
- Numbered authenticity certificates
- Climate-controlled packaging
Our 100-piece MOQ makes small classroom sets feasible. Recent projects include Roman denarius replicas for Oxford archaeology students.
Conclusion
Medals celebrate human achievements through symbolic designs, while coins balance artistry with practical exchange needs. Understanding their material, terminology, and production differences helps choose the right item for your purpose. Whether honoring heroes or preserving history, proper craftsmanship matters.
Need precision-made coins or medals?
INIMAKER® delivers:
✅ 12 years metalworking expertise
✅ 15-day production turnaround
✅ 100% defect-free guarantee
-
Explore the significance of achievement medals and how they honor accomplishments in various fields. ↩
-
Discover the historical importance of commemorative medals and how they celebrate significant events. ↩
-
Understanding planchets is essential for grasping the coin minting process and ensuring quality in production. ↩
-
Exploring obverse design elements can enhance your appreciation for coin artistry and historical significance. ↩
-
Learning about reverse design elements will deepen your understanding of coin design and its cultural implications. ↩
