As the Paris Olympics 2024 is ongoing, let us tell you whether the gold medal given in the event is actually made of gold and how much it costs.
The 33rd edition of Summer Games has kick-started in Paris on July 26 (Friday). It features a total of 10,714 athletes from 206 countries, including independent athletes competing under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Refugee Team. As the event is ongoing, let us tell you whether the gold medal given in the Olympics is actually made of gold or not and how much it costs.
1. Is gold medal actually made of gold?
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In reality, the prestigious gold medal that Olympic champions receives isn't made from gold completely. Most of the medal is made of silver, and has a thin layer of gold.
2. Composition of Olympic Gold Medals
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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set rules for the production and design of Olympic medals. As per the standards, the gold medal is composed of mostly silver with a purity at least 92.5% must be contained, and plated with a least 6 grams of pure gold.
3. Silver Medal
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The silver medal given in the Olympics is made mostly of silver. On the other hand, the bronze medal given in the Olympic Games is mostly made of copper and with some iron and zinc.
4. How much is the cost of a gold medal?
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According to a report of Forbes, The gold medal to be given to players at the 2024 Olympics in Paris is estimated to be around 950 USD, which is almost Rs 80,000.
5. Weight of Olympic gold medal
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As per reports, an Olympic gold medal weighs around 529 grams, and more than 95.4% of the medal is actually made of silver (505 grams). Only a mere six grams of it is pure gold, which serves as the plating for the medal, and 18 grams consists of iron.
6. Was a pure gold medal ever given?
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The last series of Olympic medals to be made of solid gold were given at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.
