Medal facts for kids

Medal given by Cecilia Gonzaga's family to friends. This was common in Renaissance Italy. It was designed by Pisanello in 1447.

Three different United States medals.

A medal is a small, flat piece of metal. People receive medals as an award for doing something special or to remember an important event. You can find medals for many things, like sports, military service, or school achievements. Some medals also have a religious meaning.

Medals are often given to show honor or thanks. They can be worn, displayed, or kept as a keepsake.

Different Kinds of Medals

Sometimes, people get confused between different types of medals.

• A decoration is a medal given for acts of bravery or great achievement. An example is the British Victoria Cross or the American Silver Star. These are for heroes!
• A service award or campaign medal is given for serving in a specific place or during a certain time. For example, a soldier might get a medal for serving in a particular war or mission.

No matter the reason, both types of awards are often presented as a medal.

Medals in the Olympics

In the Olympic Games and many other sports competitions, medals are given to the top three athletes.

• The person who wins first place gets the shiny gold medal.
• The person who comes in second place receives the silver medal.
• The third-placed person is awarded the bronze medal.

These medals are a symbol of hard work, skill, and dedication in sports.

Images for kids

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  Front side of a medal given by Cecilia Gonzaga's family to political friends. This was a common practice in Renaissance Europe. Designed by Pisanello in 1448.

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  Medal showing Herbert C. Hoover by Devreese Godefroi.

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  A medal remembering Finnish president J. K. Paasikivi, designed by Heikki Häiväoja.

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  Different prize medals with designs on the front. They have rings and ribbons, typical for medals worn around the neck.

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  A small metal artwork (called a Plaquette) by Peter Flötner, named Vanitas, from 1535–1540. It was made as an art piece for collectors.

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  A bronze medal of Isabella d'Este, a princess and supporter of Renaissance humanists. It was given as a gift.

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  A silver Geuzen medal celebrating the Capture of Brielle in 1572 by the Sea Beggars. This medal was sold to the public.

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  Medal of the Emperor John VIII Palaiologos from his visit to Florence, by Pisanello (1438). The words on it are in Greek.

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  The United States' Medals of Honor (left to right: Army, Navy, Air Force). These are for "amazing bravery and courage, risking life beyond what is expected."

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  A silver medal was given to the winner of each event at the 1896 Summer Olympics. Today's Olympic medals hang from a ribbon and come in gold, silver, and bronze.

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  A silver medal for 2nd place from the European Athletic Indoor Games on March 11–12, 1972.

See also

In Spanish: Medalla para niños