Knowing The Real Value Of Medals

By Anne Ellis


Companies would do well to give out medals as rewards to their top performing employees. Those who receive a medal get a boost of confidence and the other employees realize that they should be striving more for the prize. Medals are a mark of excellence, so employees who receive one feel more positive about their job and strive to contribute more to the company.

Medals As A Classic Award

In ancient days people of the royal line, military officers, and other equally distinguished individuals were the ones typically seen wearing medals. The upper class considered these items as jewelry, and the military treated them as awards. Even the religious groups and individuals used medals for certain purposes--as items for devotion or protection from either physical or supernatural harm.

Ancient medals were often made of valuable metals such as gold. But other materials were also used like glass, tin, porcelain, paper, terracotta, wood and coal. During those times, there were no distinctions between one kind of medal and another, and a gold medal was honored the same way as one made of tin depending on the person who gave it.

How Medals Are Made

The word "medal" comes from the Latin word medalia which is a half-denarius, a round ancient Roman currency. Today the prevailing rounded design of a medal stems from the shape of the denarii.

The classic and costly metals gold, silver and bronze are still the materials used in creating today's medals. But modern medal makers sometimes use electroplated metal alloys, or plastic and resin to save on costs. The invention of the machine press has aided the use of new materials in making medals.

Customization Of Medals As An Art

Today people still see medals as objects of distinction. However, the shape they come in has changed much since those ancient Roman times. Modern technology has finally made it possible for medal manufacturers to break out of the rounded shape. Now you can order custom-made medals with a more distinct design. For instance, you can have one cast into a shape that suits the occasion when you give out medals as a reward.




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