What makes a medal commemorative
A commemorative medal marks a single occasion or a long record of service rather than a race result. It is usually kept, framed or worn on formal occasions, so buyers tend to ask for finer detail, heavier metal and a presentation box. Typical designs include a portrait or emblem on the front, dates and wording on the back, and a ribbon in the organisation’s colours.
Relief and metal
Detail is the main reason to choose one metal over another.
- Copper is soft enough to strike very fine relief, which suits portraits, buildings and small lettering.
- Brass is also die-struck, feels solid in the hand and takes hard enamel cleanly.
- Zinc alloy is die-cast, so it is the option for cut-outs, layered shapes and deep 3D sculpting.
Our designers prepare the relief in levels so you can see which parts stand proud and which sit back before the die is engraved.
Finishes
Antique gold, antique silver and antique bronze finishes darken the recesses and leave the high points bright, which brings out relief detail. Shiny gold or silver suits designs that rely on enamel colour. Hard enamel gives a smooth, polished surface for emblems and flags.
Military-style and service medals
Associations, veterans’ groups and re-enactment societies order military-style medals for service, reunions and anniversaries. These normally hang from a short ribbon with a pin fitting rather than a neck ribbon. Tell us how the medal will be worn and send any reference photos. If your design uses official insignia, check that you have the right to reproduce it.
Presentation
Commemorative medals are usually given in a box: velvet or leather for formal awards, wood for a heavier presentation, or printed paper for larger runs. See packaging boxes for the options, and challenge and commemorative coins if a coin suits the occasion better than a medal.
Ordering notes
The minimum order is 100 pieces per design. Samples take about 7 days and finished goods about 14 days in total, both counted from the day after your deposit. For an anniversary date, allow time for design rounds as well. The customization guide explains each option, and you can request a quote when you are ready.
