Whether it’s a road race, marathon, sports league, school competition, or company event, custom medals are a great way to recognize both top performers and everyone who takes part.

But when an event includes first, second, and third place along with finisher or participation awards, how do you make each one easy to tell apart?

A common approach is to use gold, silver, and bronze finishes for the top three places. For finishers, participants, or commemorative pieces, black nickel, antique silver, or another finish can help create a clear visual difference.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to design awards for each placement and how to choose the right style for different types of participants.

What Are Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals Made Of?

A lot of people assume gold, silver, and bronze medals are made from the metals they’re named after, but that’s usually not the case. Even modern Olympic gold medals aren’t solid gold. They’re made mostly from silver that’s at least 92.5% pure, then coated with 6 grams of pure gold. Bronze medals are typically made from a copper-based alloy.

For commercial events and custom medals, the material you choose usually comes down to the design, production method, and budget.

Zinc alloy is the most common option and the one most of our customers choose. It works especially well for detailed shapes, raised designs, and cutouts.

Iron costs less and works well for simpler designs or projects with a tighter budget.

Copper or brass costs more, but it feels heavier in the hand and gives the finished piece a more premium metal feel.

How to Design Medals for Different Placements

1. The Top Three Can Share One Mold

A common way to do this is to use the same mold for first, second, and third place, then change the plating:

• First place: Polished Gold
• Second place: Polished Silver
• Third place: Copper or Antique Bronze

This keeps the whole set consistent while still making each placement easy to tell apart.

If changing the plating alone doesn’t feel like enough, you can also switch up the enamel colors. For example, red for first, blue for second, and green for third, with matching ribbon colors.

You can also add 1st, 2nd, 3rd, names, numbers, or dates with laser engraving without changing the original mold.

2. Finisher Awards Can Use the Same Base Design Too

If your finisher medals use the same mold as the top-three awards, you can still make them feel different through the finish.

For example, while first, second, and third place use gold, silver, and bronze, the finisher version could use black nickel, antique silver, or another metal finish. You can also keep more of the metal exposed, use fewer enamel colors, and pair it with an event-themed ribbon that includes FINISHER.

That way, you can give the finisher medal its own look without making a new mold, while also keeping production costs under control.

When Do You Need a New Mold?

If the medal’s shape, size, thickness, raised details, or fixed design elements change, you’ll usually need a new mold.

Think of the mold like a stamp. If 2026 is built into the design as raised or recessed text, that year is fixed into the mold.

So when 2027 comes around, even if everything else stays exactly the same, changing 2026 to 2027 would still require a new mold.

How Many of Each Medal Should You Order?

It helps to calculate placement medals and finisher medals separately, since they’re based on different numbers.

Placement Medals

For gold, silver, and bronze, start with the number of events and divisions.

Formula:

Number of events × number of gender/age divisions × 3

For example, if you have 2 events and each one has a men’s and women’s division:

2 × 2 × 3 = 12 medals

That means 4 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze.

It’s also a good idea to add an extra 2%–5% for ties, damaged pieces, or keepsakes for organizers and sponsors.

Finisher Medals

For finisher medals, ordering based on total registrations alone can leave you with too many, since not everyone who signs up will show up or finish.

A simple way to estimate the quantity is:

Registration cap × expected attendance rate × expected finish rate + 5% extra

For example, if your registration cap is 1,000, you expect 90% of runners to show up, and 95% of those runners to finish:

1,000 × 90% × 95% = 855

Add a 5% buffer, and you’d want to order about 898–900 medals.

That small extra amount gives you some room for last-minute registrations, counting errors, or damaged medals without overordering by too much.

Choose a Reliable Medal Supplier

Your medal supplier is part of the event planning process too. A great design doesn’t help much if the medals don’t arrive before event day.

At VeperPins, production can be completed in as little as 5 days, and there’s no minimum order quantity. Whether you’re planning a small local competition or a large event, you can order based on what you actually need.

Planning your next event? Take a look around our website — we’d be happy to help you get the medals ready and keep things on track.

Planning a 5K or marathon is exciting, but there are a lot of moving parts. Between registration, volunteers, timing, course setup, and race-day logistics, merchandise can easily become one more thing to worry about.

Finisher medals, shirts, bibs, pins, and race packets all need to be designed, ordered, and delivered on time.

And for many runners, these are the pieces of the event they remember long after race day is over.

5K and Marathon Finisher Medals

Finisher medals are usually at the top of the list. If runners take one physical reminder home from the finish line, it is often the medal they earned after completing the course.

According to Running USA’s Global Runner Survey, 16% of runners consider the medal or finisher award when deciding which race to enter, ranking it ahead of whether an event uses chip timing.

A good race medal should feel specific to that event. The logo, year, distance, local landmarks, or even part of the course can all become part of the design.

At VeperPins, we recommend finalizing the size, shape, ribbon, and quantity early. Medals are one item you do not want arriving late.

Custom Keychains for Race Giveaways

Personalized keychains are a simple way to give runners something they can actually use after the event. They are less formal than a medal, but that is part of the appeal.

Runners can attach them to keys, gym bags, backpacks, or zipper pulls, giving them a small reminder of the race that does not have to sit on a medal rack.

They are also flexible from an organizer’s point of view. A keychain can go inside the race packet, be handed out at the finish line, or be used as a small gift for VIPs, sponsors, or staff.

For events working with a tighter merchandise budget, they can also be an easy way to add another keepsake without competing with the main finisher medal.

Enamel Pins for Marathon Events

Enamel pins work especially well as wearable race memorabilia.

Runners can add them to backpacks, running vests, hats, or jackets and show where they have raced without pulling a medal out of a drawer. For events with a strong running community, a small pin can also become a subtle badge of belonging.

They do not need to replace the finisher medal. Instead, they work well in race packets, volunteer gifts, staff kits, or VIP packages.

Some events also create different versions for runners, volunteers, or special groups, giving the pin both a commemorative and practical role.

Patches for Running Clubs and Trail Events

Patches are a natural fit for trail races, endurance events, themed runs, and running clubs.

They have more of an outdoor and team feel than a typical giveaway and can be sewn or attached to running packs, jackets, hats, or vests. That makes them especially suited to events built around course difficulty, club culture, or a strong sense of tradition.

They can also represent a specific achievement. Different distances, routes, elevation challenges, or difficult stages can each have their own design.

In that case, the patch says more than “I was there.” It says, “I completed this challenge.”

Race Coins as Finisher Keepsakes

Custom sports coins are another solid option for race merchandise. They are smaller than traditional finisher medals but have a substantial metal feel, which makes them well suited for special awards, limited-edition keepsakes, or collectible race memorabilia.

Both sides of the coin can be customized. The front might feature the event logo, year, and distance, while the back can include the course, a local landmark, race motto, or finisher details. This gives organizers more room to tell the story of the event in one compact piece.

Cups, T-Shirts, and Race Bags

Running USA also found that 57% of runners would like race organizers to offer keepsakes beyond a standard finisher shirt.

That does not mean every event needs a bag packed with merchandise. Cups, tote bags, drawstring bags, and other useful items can be selected based on the audience, budget, and how they fit into the event itself.

A bag, for example, can double as packaging for packet pickup. A T-shirt can carry the event identity and sponsor logos. Cups can be useful around aid stations, the finish area, or after the race.

The goal is to choose items that have a clear purpose instead of filling a packet with things runners will throw away.

Real Race Merchandise Examples

Talking about it is one thing. Here are a few real examples shared by runners on Instagram.

Finisher Medal

A runner shared her growing race medal collection and joked that it was finally time for a medal rack.

Race Keychain

One race calls its finisher keychain “always a hit” and even upgraded it to a metal version.

Enamel Pin

This 7K event included a finisher enamel pin as part of the race experience.

Race Patch

A runner added her second finisher patch directly to her vest, turning each race into something she can wear and display.

Race Swag

A Bentonville Half Marathon runner shared the race swag she brought home before race day.

What Good Race Swag Can Do for Your Event

Well-planned race merchandise does more than give participants another free item. It can shape how runners remember the event and how they talk about it afterward.

Make registration more appealing: A distinctive medal, shirt, or finisher item can be one more reason a runner chooses your event over another.

Extend sponsor visibility: Shirts, bags, and drinkware can keep event and sponsor branding visible long after race weekend.

Encourage runners to keep and share it: A well-designed medal or memorable piece of race swag is more likely to be photographed, posted, and saved.

Build an annual collecting tradition: Keeping a consistent style while changing the year, color, or event theme can give returning runners something new to collect each season.

Plan to order race merchandise at least six weeks before the event whenever possible. That leaves more room for artwork approval, production, shipping, and any last-minute changes.

Choose the Right Race Merchandise Partner

Once you know what you want to offer, the next step is finding a supplier that can turn the idea into something production-ready.

VeperPins creates custom race medals, keychains, enamel pins, and patches for running events of all sizes.

Send us your event logo, race date, estimated quantity, and any design ideas you already have. We can help turn them into a finished product that fits your event.

Contact VeperPins today and save 20% on your custom order.

If you’ve ever held a finely crafted custom metal medal, you may have wondered how it goes from a design file to the finished product.

The process can include artwork preparation, mold making, casting or striking, polishing, plating, coloring, ribbon assembly, inspection, and packaging.

How each medal is made depends on its shape, size, relief, colors, finish, and intended use. Here’s a look at the typical production process.

1. Preparing the Medal Artwork

Every custom medal starts with the artwork.

You can provide a finished design, or simply send us a logo, sketch, photo of an existing piece, or a few ideas you want included.

Before production begins, we usually confirm:

• Medal size and shape
• Front and back artwork
• 2D or 3D relief
• Metal finish
• Enamel or printed areas
• Logo and text placement
• Loop and ribbon attachment

Once the basic details are clear, the artwork is adjusted for production and a digital proof is prepared for approval.

This is the best time to check names, dates, spelling, dimensions, logos, and major design elements. Once the mold has been made, changing the main relief or structure may require a new mold, which can add both cost and production time.

2. Making the Medal Mold

After the artwork is approved, the mold is created.
For die-cast and die-struck medals, the mold defines the final shape, lettering, logo details, recessed areas, and raised relief.
A 2D mold works well for logos, text, borders, and simple raised or recessed details.
For portraits, buildings, animals, vehicles, or artwork that needs more natural depth, 3D relief can create smoother transitions and a more dimensional look.
Fine text, narrow lines, and very small details also need to be checked at this stage. Something that looks sharp on a computer screen may not reproduce clearly in metal, so small adjustments are sometimes needed before production.

3. Forming the Medal

Once the mold is ready, production moves to the metal-forming stage.

Two of the most common methods are die casting and die striking.

Die Cast Medals

Zinc alloy is commonly used for die casting.

Molten metal is injected into the mold and allowed to cool, creating the basic shape.

Die casting works especially well for:

• Custom shapes
• Cutouts
• Complex outlines
• 2D and 3D relief
• Thicker designs
• Detailed or irregular shapes

This method is widely used for race, sports, and event medals because it offers more flexibility in shape and relief.

Die Struck Medals

Die-struck medals are made by pressing the design into metal under high pressure.

This process works especially well when the design relies more on metal texture and relief than color.

Typical die-struck designs include:

• Logos
• Text
• Seals
• Simple relief
• Antique finishes

For a more traditional look with strong raised details and a solid metal feel, die striking is often a good choice.

4. Trimming and Polishing

Freshly formed medals may still have rough edges, excess metal, or small burrs left from production.

These areas are trimmed, polished, and smoothed before plating.

Surface texture can also be used to create contrast. Raised logos or lettering may be polished, while recessed backgrounds can be sandblasted or given an antique treatment.

For medals that rely heavily on metal detail, this contrast often does more for the design than adding extra colors or decorative effects.

5. Plating the Medal

After the medal has been cleaned and polished, it is usually plated.

Plating adds the metal finish to the surface and helps define the overall look.

Common finishes include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Copper
• Black nickel
• Antique gold
• Antique silver
• Antique bronze

Bright gold, silver, and copper are common for sports, racing, and award medals.

Antique silver, brass, and bronze are often used for military, police, firefighter, memorial, and traditional designs because the darker recessed areas help the raised details stand out.

Antique finishes are especially effective for designs with a lot of lettering or deep relief.

6. Adding Color and Printed Details

If the design includes color, it is usually added after the metal has been formed and plated.

Common options include soft enamel, hard enamel, and printing.

Enamel

Enamel is filled into recessed areas created for color.

Soft enamel leaves the metal borders slightly raised, giving the finished medal a noticeable textured feel.

It works especially well for:

• Team logos
• School colors
• Event graphics
• Lettering
• Sports designs

Artwork with clean outlines and clearly separated colors usually works very well with enamel.

Printing

Some artwork is better reproduced with printing instead of enamel.

Printing is useful for:

• Gradients
• Photographs
• Very small text
• Detailed illustrations
• Complex multicolor artwork

Trying to convert these elements into enamel can remove detail or simplify the original design too much.

Printing and enamel can also be combined. For example, the main logo may use raised metal and enamel while a gradient background or fine detail is printed.

7. Adding Special Finishes

Additional finishes can be added when they fit the design.

Common options include:

• Sandblasting
• Glitter enamel
• Transparent enamel
• Glow-in-the-dark enamel
• Epoxy coating
• Sequential numbering
• Laser engraving
• Edge text
• Cutouts

Using more finishes does not always improve the final result.

A design with deep 3D relief, for example, can quickly look too busy when combined with multiple enamel colors, glitter, transparent enamel, and printing.

We usually recommend keeping the focus on the strongest part of the artwork. If the relief is the main feature, it should remain easy to see. If team colors, sponsor branding, or event graphics are more important, enamel or printing may be the better choice.

8. Attaching the Ribbon

Once the main piece is finished, the loop and ribbon are attached.

Custom medal ribbons can include:

• Different ribbon widths
• Custom colors
• Printed logos
• Event names
• Sponsor logos
• Dates
• Custom text

For races, sporting events, and school awards, it becomes part of the overall design rather than simply a way to wear the award.

Event names, dates, sponsor logos, and other branding can be placed on the ribbon instead of crowding the main design.

9. Quality Inspection

Before packing, finished medals are inspected for production issues.

Typical checks include:

• Correct medal size
• Clear logos and lettering
• Consistent plating
• Scratches or surface defects
• Missing or overflowing enamel
• Printing alignment
• Secure loops and attachments
• Correct ribbon installation

For 3D medals, the relief is also checked to make sure portraits, buildings, animals, vehicles, and other sculpted details have formed properly.

Pieces with obvious plating, color, printing, or structural defects are removed before the order is packed.

10. Packing the Finished Medals

After inspection, the medals are packed for shipping.

Most bulk orders are individually packed so the metal surfaces do not rub against each other during transit.

Depending on the project, packaging options may include:

• Poly bags
• Velvet bags
• Presentation boxes
• Custom packaging

The finished medals can then be shipped to schools, companies, clubs, military units, race organizers, or event venues.

Not Every Medal Uses the Same Process

Not every custom medal goes through every step above.

A simple antique die-struck medal may only require striking, polishing, and an antique finish, with no enamel at all.

A detailed custom race medal, on the other hand, may combine a custom shape, cutouts, 3D relief, soft enamel, printing, and a custom ribbon.

The right process depends on the artwork, budget, quantity, size, and how the finished piece will be used.

Choosing the Right Process for Your Medal

VeperPins has more than 20 years of experience producing custom metal products. Whether you have finished artwork or just a logo, sketch, or rough idea, we can help with design preparation, production recommendations, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping.

If you are working on a race, school event, company award, tournament, or other project, send us your artwork and basic requirements. We can review the design and recommend the production method that fits it best.

A custom medal ribbon does more than simply hold the medal around someone’s neck. It plays a big part in how the finished medal looks and feels, while also giving your event name, logo, or sponsors more visibility.

The wrong ribbon can make even a great medal feel off. The right one helps the whole award look more balanced and complete.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process from ribbon design to choosing the right style for different types of medals, so you can create a combination that looks right and works well for your event.

1. Choose the Ribbon Material

Most medal ribbons are made from polyester. It’s durable, prints well, and works for just about any standard event.

What you’ll usually need to choose is the finish.

Satin has a smooth surface with a slight sheen. It works well for multicolor logos, gradients, and full-color designs, which is why you’ll often see it on marathon, 5K, and 10K medals.

Grosgrain has a more noticeable ribbed texture and a matte look. It’s a good fit for simpler designs with an event name, school logo, or basic text.

Nylon is another option and is known for its strength, but it’s less common than polyester for standard event medals.

Choose satin for a smoother, more colorful look, or grosgrain for something simpler and more traditional.

2. Picking the Right Ribbon Width

Once you’ve chosen the material and finish, decide on the width. It affects both comfort and how balanced the medal feels when worn.

For most custom medals, 25mm (1″) and 38mm (1.5″) are the most common choices.

25mm (1″) works well for simple designs with a repeated event name or logo. It keeps the look clean without taking attention away from the medal.

38mm (1.5″) gives you more room for event names, logos, dates, or sponsor branding. It also tends to look better with larger or heavier medals.

You can also use the medal size as a starting point:

If you’re not sure, 1″ is a good starting point for most medals. Move up to 1.25″ or 1.5″ for larger medals or when you need more space for branding.

3. Decide What Goes on the Ribbon

Ribbon space is limited, so keep the focus on what people actually need to see. For most events, the event name and logo are enough. If sponsors need to be included, add only the main ones.

Event Name

Keep the event name short whenever possible. For example:

• 2026 Charity 5K
• State Championship
• Annual Marathon

Long names usually have to be printed smaller, which makes them harder to read once the medal is being worn.

Repeat the Main Design

Instead of placing the main artwork in just one spot, repeat it along the ribbon so it stays visible from different angles.

For example:

Event Name → Icon → Event Name → Icon

This works especially well for races, school events, and tournaments where the ribbon may twist or shift while being worn.

Sponsor Logos

If you have one or two main sponsors, work them into the layout without crowding the ribbon.

For example:

Event Logo → Sponsor A → Event Name → Sponsor B

Avoid shrinking several sponsor logos just to fit them all. If there are too many, keep the main sponsors on the ribbon and move the rest to the back of the medal or other event materials.

Date, Distance, and Location

You can also add details such as the year, race distance, or city:

2026 · Half Marathon · Chicago, IL

These should stay secondary. If the ribbon already includes the event name and branding, there’s usually no need to add the date, distance, city, and a long tagline all at once.

4. Choose the Ribbon Color and Printing Method

The printing method mostly comes down to how detailed your design is.

Dye sublimation works well for designs with multiple colors, gradients, detailed artwork, or several logos. It also lets you print across the full ribbon instead of being limited to a small area.

Screen printing is a better fit for simpler designs, such as an event name, school logo, or artwork using just one or two colors on a solid ribbon.

If you don’t need any printing at all, a solid-color ribbon works just fine. It’s commonly used for school competitions, award ceremonies, and gold, silver, or bronze medals.

For color, start with what your event already uses. School colors, team colors, brand colors, or the event’s main color are usually the easiest choices.

Just make sure there’s enough contrast between the ribbon and the print. Light text shows up better on a dark ribbon, while dark text works better on a light one.

If the medal already has a lot of color, keep the ribbon simple. If the medal is mostly gold, silver, or bronze, the ribbon can carry more of the event color.

Common Medal Ribbon Design Mistakes

Too much content. If the text and logos have to be shrunk just to make everything fit, there’s too much on the ribbon.

Making the logo too small. A logo may look fine when you zoom in on the artwork, but that doesn’t mean it will be clear once printed. Fine lines, small text, and detailed logos are especially easy to lose.

Designing the ribbon separately from the medal. A good medal and a good ribbon can still look wrong together. Check the colors, proportions, and overall look as one complete award.

Adding sponsors at the last minute. This happens a lot with event orders. Decide early which sponsor logos need to be included so you don’t have to shrink everything later just to make them fit.

The Medal and Ribbon Should Work Together

VeperPins doesn’t sell ribbons separately. We match them as part of our custom medal service, based on the medal itself and what you need for the event.

Send us your artwork or idea, and whether you already know how to design medals or need help getting started, we’ll recommend a ribbon that fits the finished medal.

When ordering custom medals for awards, timing matters just as much as quality. Even the best-looking medals won’t help if they arrive after your event.

For most standard orders, the process from artwork to delivery takes about 3–5 weeks. If you have a fixed event date, however, it’s safer to allow 4–6 weeks rather than plan around the shortest possible timeline.

Below, VeperPins breaks down the full timeline so you can place your order smoothly and make sure your medals arrive before the big day.

Custom Medal Timeline: Artwork, Production & Shipping

f you’re planning an event and need your medals to arrive on time, it helps to understand how long the full ordering and production process takes. In general, custom medals go through three main stages: artwork, production, and shipping.

Artwork: 1–3 Business Days

After you send us your design, we usually can’t send it straight to production. Our designer first turns it into production-ready artwork for your approval. If you already have a complete design, this usually takes about 1 business day. If you’re starting with a logo, badge, text, or a few reference images, allow 2–3 business days for us to put everything together. Production begins after the artwork is approved, so additional revisions can add a little time.

Production: 15–20 Business Days

Once the artwork is approved, production starts with the mold, which takes about 3 days. The mold is then used to make the metal medal blanks, usually another 4 days. Plating, edge finishing, and surface work take around 3–4 days. Most personalized medals also require hand-filled enamel colors, baking, and finishing, which usually takes another 5–6 days. If you’re adding custom ribbons, printing and assembly take about 1–2 days. The finished medals are then inspected and packed before shipping. Normal production takes about 15–20 business days, depending on the design, quantity, and finish.

Shipping: 3–60 Days

Shipping time depends on your quantity, budget, and event date. For large orders with plenty of lead time, ocean shipping takes about 30–60 days and costs less. For tighter deadlines, air shipping or express delivery is a better choice. Express shipping takes about 3–5 days to the U.S. and is the fastest option when your event date is close. Tax-included shipping takes about 10 days and is currently available for certain destinations in North America and Europe. If you already have a fixed event date, let us know when you order so we can recommend the right shipping option.

Total Lead Time: About 3–5 Weeks

With quick artwork approval, standard production, and express shipping, many orders can be completed in about 3–5 weeks. More complex designs, slower shipping methods, or additional revisions can extend the timeline.

Factors That Can Delay Custom Medal Production

Even with a clear production schedule, a few factors can extend your delivery time. Planning ahead and responding quickly can help keep your project on track.

1. Artwork Approval Takes Longer Than Expected

Production can’t begin until the artwork is approved.

After we send your digital proof, review it as soon as possible. If you’d like any changes, let us know right away. Every round of revisions pushes production back.

We’ve even had customers place an order right before going on vacation. By the time they reviewed the proof several days later, their deadline had become much tighter, leaving very little time for production. The faster you approve your artwork, the sooner we can start making your medals.

2. Complex Designs Need More Production Time

A personalized medal design is worth it, but it usually takes longer to make.

Features like 3D sculpting, cut-out shapes, dual plating, spinning parts, or multiple attachments all require additional manufacturing steps. Depending on the design, production may take several extra days.

3. Very Large Orders Take Longer

An order of 100 medals and an order of 10,000 medals won’t move through production at the same speed.

Larger quantities often require additional molding, coloring, polishing, quality inspection, and packing time. If you’re planning a large event, giving yourself extra lead time helps ensure everything arrives on schedule.

4. Shipping Delays Can Happen

Once your medals leave the factory, shipping time depends on the carrier.

Weather, customs inspections, holidays, or courier delays can occasionally affect delivery. That’s why we recommend placing your order at least a few weeks before your event instead of waiting until the last minute.

Can Custom Medals Be Made Faster?

Yes. If you’re working with a tight deadline, rush production may be available and can often save 5–7 days. Rush fees are typically around $0.25 per medal.

It works best for simpler designs, standard finishes, and artwork that can be approved quickly. Availability depends on the design, quantity, and required delivery date, so contact us first if your order is time-sensitive.

How Early Should You Order?

If you already know your event date, order early and leave some extra time for artwork, production, and shipping.

For most races, school events, and award ceremonies, 4–6 weeks ahead is a good rule.

For large orders or more detailed medals, plan on 6–8 weeks.

Always tell us your event date when you order. We can let you know if the normal schedule works or if you need rush production.

Try to have your medals arrive 5–7 days before the event. That gives you some breathing room if there are artwork changes or shipping delays.

Less than four weeks left? Send us your design, quantity, and event date. We’ll check the fastest option available.

Get Your Custom Medals Ready on Time

The 3–5 week timeline is only a general estimate for standard orders, so we don’t recommend planning around the tightest possible schedule. The earlier you start, the more flexibility you’ll have if the artwork needs changes, something comes up during manufacturing, or shipping takes a little longer than expected.

Whatever style you need, VeperPins brings more than 20 years of experience to help you finalize the design and details efficiently, keep the process moving smoothly, and make sure the finished product meets your expectations.

When you start comparing custom medal suppliers, the number of options can feel overwhelming. Different materials, finishes, production methods, and medal styles can make it difficult to know what your event actually needs.

A simple rule is to start with enamel medals unless your design, budget, or deadline calls for something else. They work well for most events and offer a good balance of color, detail, durability, and cost.

Below, we break down the most common medal options and where each one works best.

Medal Production Methods

Enamel Medals

Most colorful medals used at sporting events and competitions are made with enamel. Soft enamel is the most common option. The colored areas sit slightly below the raised metal lines, giving the medal visible texture and strong metal definition.

Soft enamel works especially well for logos, event names, dates, team colors, and mascots. It is also a good choice when your design includes several colors or needs to match specific brand colors.

Hard enamel medals have a smooth, polished surface because the enamel is filled and polished level with the metal lines. They have a cleaner, more refined appearance, although they usually cost more than soft enamel.

Medal size also matters. Designs with more text, detailed logos, or several visual elements usually need a larger medal so everything remains clear and easy to read.

Die-Struck Medals

Die-struck medals use raised and recessed metal details without adding color. They can be finished in bright gold, silver, copper, antique gold, antique silver, and other metal tones.

Compared with enamel medals, they have a simpler and more traditional appearance. This style works well for crests, lettering, buildings, portraits, and detailed metal textures. It is a strong choice for awards that need to feel formal, classic, or ceremonial.

Printed Medals

Printed medals place the artwork directly onto the medal surface. They do not have the same raised texture as enamel, but they can reproduce gradients, shadows, photographs, and very small details that enamel cannot easily achieve.

UV printing and full-color printing also allow more freedom with complex artwork. Production is often faster than soft enamel, making printed medals a practical option for detailed designs or tighter deadlines.

Insert Medals

Insert medals use an existing medal design with a printed insert added to the center. Because the outside shape is already made, there is usually no custom mold fee.

This is one of the fastest and most affordable choices for large events, school programs, and last-minute orders. The tradeoff is that you must choose from available medal templates, so the final design is less unique than a fully custom medal.

Choose a Medal by Event Type

Different events call for different medal designs. Your choice should reflect who will receive the award, what the event represents, and which details need to appear on the medal.

Education Medals

Education medals are commonly used for graduations, academic competitions, course completions, military academies, and corporate training programs.

They can include a school crest, program name, graduation year, award title, or organization motto to recognize students and participants.

Sports Medals

Sports medals are ideal for school athletics, team competitions, club tournaments, and championship events.

Football, basketball, baseball, swimming, martial arts, and other sports can feature their own logos, mascots, and team colors. Gold, silver, and bronze finishes can also be used to separate award levels.

Race Medals

Race medals are made for 5Ks, 10Ks, marathons, cycling events, triathlons, obstacle races, and charity runs.

They often include the race logo, distance, event date, route details, and finisher wording, turning the medal into a keepsake participants can hold onto long after the event.

Common Materials for Custom Medals

The material affects the medal’s weight, detail, durability, and price.

Zinc Alloy

Zinc alloy is the most widely used material for custom medals. It works well for school events, sports tournaments, marathons, corporate awards, and most other programs.

It can be cast into custom shapes, cutouts, raised 3D details, and double-sided designs. It also supports a wide range of finishes, including gold, silver, bronze, black nickel, and antique plating.

For most customers, zinc alloy offers the best balance of design flexibility, detail, and price.

Iron

Iron medals are a more affordable option for simple designs and large orders.

After plating and coloring, they can look similar to copper medals. However, iron is less suitable for complex shapes and deep 3D details. It can also rust if exposed to moisture for long periods, so proper storage is important.

Copper

Copper medals have a heavier feel and a more premium appearance. They are often selected for commemorative awards, anniversary events, formal ceremonies, and collectible pieces.

Brass, red copper, and bronze can all be used depending on the design and finish. Copper is well suited to detailed metalwork and traditional production methods, but it generally costs more than zinc alloy or iron.

Do Not Overlook Production and Delivery

Once you have chosen the style, material, and medal size, the next step is making sure the order is produced correctly and delivered on time.

A good design will not help much if the finished medals have inconsistent quality or arrive after the event. When comparing medal manufacturers, look beyond the lowest price. Clear communication, reliable quality control, and a realistic production schedule are just as important.

We recommend starting your order at least four to five weeks before the event. Artwork approval, bulk production, quality checks, and shipping all take time.

At VeperPins, we provide free artwork and guide each order from design approval through production and shipping, helping you receive your medals before the event date.

There’s no doubt that a unique medal can help your event stand out. It can also be a great way to promote the event and attract more participants and sponsors.

If you don’t have any design experience, getting started may feel a little overwhelming. Still working out what your medal should look like?

Follow our design steps and let’s get started!

Step 1: Decide What Goes on the Front and Back

Before you start choosing the shape, colors, or finish, figure out what information belongs on each side of the medal.

A simple way to divide it is:

Use the front to identify the event. Use the back to record the achievement.

Front: Make the Event Easy to Recognize

The front should feature the details people need to see first, such as:

• Event name or logo
• One strong visual element
• City landmark or local symbol
• Event year
• Key wording such as “Champion” or “Finisher”

For a marathon medal, that could be a runner, a race route, or a local landmark. A soccer medal might feature a ball, stadium, or trophy. For a school competition, the school logo or mascot is usually the strongest choice.

Try to build the design around one main visual. Adding the full date, race distance, sponsor logos, participant name, and every other detail to the front will only make it harder to read.

Back: Record What the Medal Was Awarded For

The back is a better place for the supporting details, including:

• Event category or race distance
• Award level or finisher status
• Event date and location
• Recipient’s name
• Placement, score, or finish time
• Organizer or sponsor logos
• A blank area for laser engraving

Details that change from person to person—such as names, bib numbers, rankings, and finish times—usually belong on the back. When engraving is needed, leave a smooth, open area for it from the beginning.

Not Sure Where Something Should Go?

Ask these three questions:

What best represents the event?
Use that as the main feature on the front, whether it is the event logo, a landmark, a mascot, or a trophy.

What is the medal being awarded for?
Wording such as “5K Finisher,” “First Place,” or “10 Years of Service” can go on either side, depending on how important it is to the overall design.

Which details are different for every recipient?
Names, times, numbers, and rankings should normally stay on the back so they do not take over the main design.

A Simple Front-and-Back Layout

Front

Event logo
Main artwork
Austin Half Marathon 2027

Back

Half Marathon Finisher
Austin, Texas · March 7, 2027
Name / Finish Time

Make Sure the Text Will Actually Be Readable

A medal design may look clear on a large computer screen but become difficult to read once it is reduced to its final size. Small lettering, tight spacing, and thin lines can disappear or blend together during production.

Before approving the artwork:

• Review it at the medal’s actual size
• Remove repeated or unnecessary wording
• Make sure small text, thin lines, and engraving areas are suitable for production

You can also design the front only and leave the back blank. That’s an easy way to keep the cost down.

Step 2: Choose the Medal Shape

Round is the most common medal shape because it gives you plenty of room for artwork and text, and it works well for almost any competition or award event.

That said, your medal doesn’t have to be round. A custom shape can follow the event logo, mascot, local landmark, piece of sports equipment, or even the race route. A soccer medal, for example, could be shaped like a jersey or shield, while a running medal could feature a city skyline or local landmark.

Custom shapes are easier to remember, but avoid overly complicated outlines. Make sure there’s still enough room for the main artwork and any important text.

Step 3: Choose the Right Production Method

Once you’ve chosen the shape, the next step is deciding how the medal will be made. The three most common options are enamel, printed, and die-struck medals.

Start with the part of your design that matters most: bold color, fine detail, or raised metal texture.

Simple Artwork and Solid Colors: Choose Enamel

Enamel works well for logos, lettering, and solid blocks of color. Thin metal lines separate each color, keeping the design clean and easy to read.

Soft enamel has a slightly recessed texture and is usually the more budget-friendly option. Hard enamel has a smooth, polished surface and gives the medal a more refined finish.

It’s a practical choice for school competitions, sports tournaments, races, and company awards.

Gradients, Photos, or Detailed Artwork: Choose Printing

Enamel is best for solid colors, so it may not reproduce gradients, shadows, photographs, or detailed illustrations very well.

UV printing can capture those details much more accurately. It works especially well for photo-based designs, complex mascots, flames, landscapes, and city scenes.

Raised Figures and Metal Detail: Choose Die-Struck Relief

Die-struck relief is a good choice when you want the metal itself to carry the design.

A 2D relief works well for logos, text, and clear raised and recessed areas. A 3D relief adds rounded depth, making it better for faces, animals, trophies, muscles, and architectural details.

Keep the medal size in mind. The more detail you add, the more space the design usually needs to stay clear.

You Can Combine Methods

Some medals use more than one process. For example, you might use enamel for the logo, UV printing for the background, or 3D relief for a central figure.

The goal isn’t to add as many effects as possible. Choose the process that makes the most important part of your design look its best.

Step 4: Choose the Metal Finish

The finish, also called plating, determines the color and overall look of the medal’s metal areas.

If you don’t need different finishes for each placement, choose one that fits the design. Black nickel gives the medal a more modern look, while antique gold, silver, and bronze work well for classic or commemorative designs.

To separate first, second, and third place, gold, silver, and bronze plating is the easiest option. You can also pair each finish with different enamel colors to make the award levels even easier to tell apart.

The main thing is to choose a finish that works well with the artwork and the event theme.

Step 5: Make the Ribbon Part of the Medal Design

It’s best to design the ribbon at the same time as the medal instead of choosing a color at the very end. At the event, the ribbon and medal will appear together in photos, so it’s easy to notice when they don’t match.

Start with colors from the event logo, school colors, or brand palette. If the medal already has a lot of color, keep the ribbon simple. If the medal uses antique gold, antique silver, or another mostly metallic finish, a brighter ribbon can add a nice contrast.

You don’t need to fill the ribbon with too much information. The event name, logo, year, or race distance is usually enough. Simple text and logos work well with screen printing, while gradients, full-coverage artwork, and detailed color designs are better suited for heat transfer printing.

Size matters too. A larger, heavier medal usually looks and feels better with a wider ribbon, so the finished piece feels balanced and comfortable to wear.

Other Design Ideas

A medal doesn’t need complicated artwork to feel unique. Sometimes, changing the structure makes a bigger difference.

You could cut out part of the logo, year, or city skyline, or add a spinning piece in the center. These details make the medal more memorable and give participants something special to keep.

One standout feature is usually enough. It keeps the design clean and makes the budget easier to manage.

Make Your Event More Memorable with a Custom Medal

A successful event is about more than keeping everything on schedule. The details people remember afterward matter too.

A medal designed around your event gives participants something meaningful to take home. It can also help your event stand out in award photos and social media posts, leaving a stronger impression on participants, sponsors, volunteers, and the local community.

Use the steps above to work through the design, from the front and back artwork to the finish and ribbon.

Ready to order? Send VeperPins your logo, sketch, or ideas. We’ll help with the artwork, recommend the right options, and handle the project through production and delivery. We’ll also help you avoid unnecessary extras so you can get the best result without going over budget.

For many participants, receiving a medal at the finish line is about more than where they placed. It becomes a reminder of the time, effort, and commitment they put into the event. Custom medals are also commonly used for graduations, academic achievements, corporate recognition, and other special occasions.

The right size and thickness give you enough room for the event name, logo, date, and artwork while keeping the finished piece comfortable to wear.

Based on the orders we produce at VeperPins, 2.5 inches wide and around 3 mm thick is a solid starting point for most designs. It offers enough space for the key details, has a satisfying weight, and does not feel overly heavy.

In this guide, we’ll look at the most common size and thickness options and explain how to choose the right combination for your project.

Common Medal Sizes

Custom medals can be made in almost any size, but most orders fall within three general ranges.

Small: 1.5–2 Inches

Smaller medals are lighter and usually more affordable. They work well when the design only includes a logo, date, or a few short lines of text. Because the surface area is limited, small lettering and detailed artwork may need to be simplified.

Standard: 2–3 Inches

This is the most common size range. It offers a good balance between design space, readability, weight, and cost. A 2.5-inch medal is often large enough for an event name, logo, year, and additional design details without feeling bulky.

Large: Over 3 Inches

Larger medals provide more room for detailed artwork, multiple lines of text, and stronger 3D effects. They also stand out more during an award ceremony or in photos. The tradeoff is additional weight and a higher production cost.

Common Medal Thicknesses

Thickness affects the edge profile, weight, overall feel, and the amount of depth available for raised or recessed details.

Thin: 1.5–2 mm

This thickness creates a lighter medal with a slimmer edge. It can work for simple designs and budget-focused projects, although it may feel too light when paired with a larger diameter.

Standard: 2–4 mm

This is the most common range and offers a comfortable balance of weight and durability. A thickness of around 3 mm works well for most 2D artwork and standard raised metal details.

Thick: Over 4 mm

Thicker medals have a more noticeable edge and a heavier feel. They also provide more room for deep relief and 3D artwork. As thickness increases, so do the metal weight and overall cost.

Common Size and Thickness Combinations

The following combinations are practical starting points for standard round medals:

• 1.5 inches (about 38 mm): 2–2.5 mm thick
• 2 inches (50.8 mm): 2.5–3 mm thick
• 2.5 inches (63.5 mm): 3–4 mm thick
• 3 inches (76.2 mm): 4–5 mm thick
• 4 inches (101.6 mm): 5–6 mm thick

These are not fixed rules. A simple flat design may not need much thickness, while deep relief, double-sided 3D artwork, or a large medal may require a thicker base.

Round medals are measured by diameter. Custom-shaped medals are normally measured across their longest side, but the overall width, height, and proportions should also be considered.

What to Consider When Choosing a Medal Size

Type of Event

Different events call for different sizes. Sports competitions and major commemorative events often use standard or large medals for greater visual impact. Academic and corporate awards usually work well at a standard size, while youth events may benefit from a smaller and lighter medal.

Amount of Content

Start by looking at everything that needs to appear on the medal. A logo, date, and short message may fit comfortably on a small medal. An event name, location, sponsor logos, or several lines of text will need more room.

Design Complexity

Fine lines, small lettering, portraits, buildings, and deep-relief artwork need enough space to remain clear. The more detailed the artwork is, the less practical it becomes to reduce the medal size.

Medal Shape

Round and square medals are easy to size by diameter or width. Custom shapes require more attention to their overall proportions. A long or narrow design may need to be enlarged even when the artwork itself is simple.

Budget

Larger medals use more metal, so they usually cost more to produce. For a large order, even a small increase in size can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to understand what affects custom medal pricing before finalizing your design.

Weight and Comfort

A large medal can feel impressive and display well, but it may become uncomfortable when worn for a long time. Smaller medals are lighter and easier to wear, carry, and store.

Choosing a Size for Different Uses

School and Corporate Events

Small or standard medals usually provide enough space for a school crest, company logo, award title, and date. They also stay light enough to wear comfortably and help keep larger orders within budget.

Organized Sports Events

Standard or large medals are usually a better fit. Sports medals often need room for the event name, logo, year, category, and sponsor information, so the design area can fill up quickly.

Personal Keepsakes and Collections

Larger or thicker medals are worth considering when appearance and detail matter more than wearing comfort. The extra space makes it easier to add layered artwork, deeper relief, custom text, and other personal elements.

Other Tips for Choosing a Medal

Think About Photos and Social Sharing

Many participants will share photos of their medals on Instagram, Reddit, and other social platforms. When planning the artwork and text placement, make sure the main logo and event name are easy to see, whether the medal is being worn or photographed on its own.

Look at Similar Events

Reviewing medals from events of a similar type and size can give you a useful starting point. It helps you judge whether a small, standard, or large medal will feel appropriate for your own event.

Make Award Levels Easy to Tell Apart

First, second, and third place should be easy to identify. Gold, silver, and bronze finishes are the most common solution, but you can also use different ribbon colors, wording, or enamel details without creating three completely separate molds.

Where Can You Order Custom Medals?

Creating custom medals that both organizers and recipients will appreciate takes some planning. The finished piece needs to match the occasion, show the artwork clearly, and feel worth keeping. Once the size and thickness are set, choosing the shape, colors, finish, and manufacturing process becomes much easier.

VeperPins has more than 20 years of manufacturing experience. Whether you’re planning a running event, graduation, military commemoration, corporate award, or personal keepsake, our team can help you choose the right specifications and guide your project from artwork to final production.

Custom medals typically start at around $3.87 each, while larger or more detailed designs can cost $12 or more per medal. There is no one-size-fits-all price. The final cost depends on factors such as the medal’s size, thickness, order quantity, production method, and overall design complexity.

For 5K races, marathons, school competitions, and corporate events, medals are often ordered in large quantities. A difference of just a few cents per medal may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference when you are ordering hundreds or even thousands.

So, how much should you budget for custom medals? Below, VeperPins breaks down the main factors that affect pricing, including size, thickness, order quantity, metal finish, and ribbon options, so you can get a clearer idea of the total cost.

Medal Size and Thickness

Order Quantity

Production Method

The most common production methods for custom medals are enamel, printing, and die striking.

Soft enamel is affordable and leaves the raised metal lines visible, giving the medal more texture. Hard enamel has a smooth, polished surface and usually costs more because of the extra finishing steps.

Printing works well for photos, gradients, small text, and detailed artwork. It is also a flexible option when different images are needed on each medal.

Die-struck medals use raised and recessed metal details without added color. Simple 2D designs cost less, while deep relief, double-sided artwork, and 3D details increase the price.

Plating Finish

Gold, silver, and copper plating are normally included in the base quote.

Antique gold, silver, or copper usually adds about $0.60 per piece. The darker recessed areas give the artwork more depth and work well for vintage themes, commemorative events, and detailed relief.

2D vs. 3D Design

Most race awards use a 2D layout, with raised and recessed metal forming the text, border, and artwork. There is usually no extra modeling charge.

Portraits, animals, buildings, mountains, and other rounded details may look better in 3D. The typical one-time modeling charge is about $125 per artwork, not per piece.

For repeat orders, ask whether the original model can be reused.

Custom Ribbons

Some suppliers charge separately for ribbons, often around $0.65 each for a printed option.

VeperPins includes a standard custom ribbon with regular orders at no extra charge.

Special widths, double-sided printing, gradients, premium materials, and custom attachments may cost more. Contact our sales team for exact pricing.

What Else Can Affect the Final Quote?

Besides size, quantity, and production style, the following upgrades may add to the total:

• Double-sided artwork
• Cutouts or custom shapes
• Additional colors
• Glow-in-the-dark or transparent enamel
• Individual numbering
• Gift boxes, display cases, or velvet pouches
• Rush production
• International shipping
• Material options, including zinc alloy, iron, or copper

Standard poly bag packaging is included at no extra charge. Gift boxes, display cases, and other premium packaging options are available for an additional charge.

Rush service is also available when you are working with a tight deadline. The estimated charge is $0.78 per piece, depending on the order quantity and required delivery date.

Standard shipping is free to select countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Shipping to South America and other regions is quoted based on the delivery address.

When comparing suppliers, look beyond the unit rate. Check whether the quote includes the mold, 3D modeling, ribbon, packaging, and shipping so you know the actual total before placing your order.

How to Keep Custom Medal Costs Down

Order a larger quantity
Custom medals usually require a mold, so ordering more helps spread that setup cost across each piece. Once you know your expected turnout, ordering a few extras at the same time is often cheaper than placing a small reorder later.

Cut back on unnecessary enamel colors
More colors can mean more filling and inspection work. Stick with the main event colors and use the natural metal finish for smaller details. This keeps the design clean while helping control the price.

Choose a manufacturer that offers good value
Don’t compare unit prices alone. Check whether the quote includes the mold, ribbons, packaging, and shipping. VeperPins can recommend the right size, finish, and production method for your budget, so you’re not paying for extras that won’t make much difference to the final medal.

Start Your Custom Medal Order

Ordering medals for a race, school event, or awards ceremony? Send VeperPins your artwork, quantity, and deadline, and we’ll provide a quote along with free design support.

With our own production line, we can better control quality and turnaround times. Order now and save 20% on your project.