Wholesale Custom Die-Struck Metal Medal — Commemorative Gold-Plated Award Medal with Ribbon for Events, Competitions & Historical Collectibles
What Is This Die-Struck Metal Medal?
This Die-Struck Metal Medal is a premium commemorative award medal featuring high-relief (embossed) designs on a polished gold-plated brass base. The front face showcases a detailed portrait relief with surrounding German text honoring Wilhelm I, King of Prussia and German Emperor — a classic historical commemorative medal style. Each medal features a metal suspension ring at the top for attaching an orange grosgrain ribbon.
The medals are available in two sizes (large ~50mm diameter and small ~30mm diameter), with options for pre-designed patterns or fully blank medals for custom engraving. The surface finish combines a matte gold background with polished/shiny gold raised relief elements, creating strong contrast and depth that makes the design stand out. Orange textured grosgrain ribbon is included with the standard medal set, folded or coiled for a premium presentation.
Key Specifications
|
Parameter |
Large Medal |
Small Medal |
|
Diameter |
~50 mm (2.0") |
~30 mm (1.2") |
|
Thickness |
~3–4 mm |
~2–3 mm |
|
Material |
Solid brass / zinc alloy |
Solid brass / zinc alloy |
|
Surface Finish |
Gold-plated (matte + polished contrast) |
Gold-plated (matte + polished contrast) |
|
Relief Type |
High-relief die-struck embossing |
High-relief die-struck embossing |
|
Suspension Ring |
Brass ring, ~8 mm diameter |
Brass ring, ~5 mm diameter |
|
Ribbon Included |
Orange grosgrain ribbon, ~38 mm wide |
Orange grosgrain ribbon, ~25 mm wide |
|
Ribbon Attachment |
Threaded through suspension ring |
Threaded through suspension ring |
|
Weight |
~35–45 g |
~15–20 g |
|
Plating |
Gold, nickel, silver, or antique bronze |
Gold, nickel, silver, or antique bronze |
Design Elements
Portrait relief: Side profile of a bearded male figure (19th-century monarch style) with crown/helmet details on the head
Surrounding text: German inscription referencing "WILHELM" (Wilhelm), "DEUTSCHEN KAISERN" (German Emperors), and "FÜRSTEN VON PREUßEN" (Princes of Prussia)
Surface treatment: Matte gold background with polished/high-shine raised relief elements for maximum contrast
Ribbon: Bright orange grosgrain (ribbed) ribbon with structured weave, adds premium ceremonial appearance
Suspension ring: Polished gold brass ring at the 12 o'clock position for ribbon attachment
Edge: Smooth, polished edge without burrs — comfortable to handle
Back: Option for custom engraving, additional text, event details, or blank smooth surface
Ideal Applications
Historical & commemorative medals — Museum gift shop replicas, historical society awards, anniversary commemorations
Competition & tournament medals — Gold medals for sports events, academic contests, eSports tournaments
Corporate & team awards — Employee recognition medals, service anniversary medals, team building awards
Military & veteran honors — Custom regimental medals, reunion commemoratives, memorial tribute medals
School & graduation medals — Academic achievement medals, graduation commemoration, class reunion gifts
Collector & hobbyist medallions — Limited edition medals for collector trading, coin shows, collectible series
Souvenir & gift medals — Travel souvenir medals, gift shop items, milestone celebration keepsakes
What Materials Are Used in This Medal?
This medal is made from solid brass or zinc alloy, then electroplated with a gold finish. The base metal provides weight and substance (35–45g for the large size), while the gold plating gives a premium polished appearance. The ribbon is grosgrain weave polyester, which is strong, colorfast, and resists fraying. The suspension ring is solid brass wire, polished to match the medal finish.
Physical Properties
|
Property |
Brass Medal |
Zinc Alloy Medal |
|
Density |
~8.4 g/cm³ |
~6.6 g/cm³ |
|
Hardness (Brinell) |
~80–100 HB |
~90–110 HB |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent (with plating) |
Good (with plating) |
|
Finishes Available |
Gold, silver, nickel, antique bronze, gunmetal |
Gold, silver, nickel, antique bronze, gunmetal |
|
Plating Thickness |
≥ 0.5 micron nickel base + 0.3 micron gold |
≥ 0.5 micron + top coat |
|
Tarnish Resistance |
2–5 years with proper care |
2–5 years with proper care |
|
Drop Test |
Survives 1.5 m drop onto hard floor |
Survives 1.5 m drop onto hard floor |
|
Ribbon Tensile |
≥ 15 kg rated |
Grosgrain weave polyester |
|
Operating Temp |
-20°C to +80°C |
No degradation in standard use |
|
Shelf Life |
10+ years with proper storage |
10+ years with proper storage |
Durability Highlights
Solid metal construction — Cast from solid brass or zinc alloy, not hollow or stamped thin metal. Substantial weight and feel.
Electroplated finish — Gold layer is electrochemically bonded to the base metal, not painted or sprayed. Resists chipping and peeling.
High-relief die-struck design — The design is struck into the metal under high pressure, creating sharp, durable detail that cannot wear off.
Grosgrain ribbon — The orange ribbon is tightly woven with a ribbed texture. It is strong, colorfast, and cut with heat-sealed edges to prevent fraying.
Tarnish-resistant — The plating includes a protective clear coat (lacquer) that slows oxidation. With proper storage (away from moisture), the gold finish remains bright for years.
We can customize every aspect of this metal medal — from size, shape, and metal type to portrait design, text, ribbon color, and packaging. Whether you want a completely new artwork design, a company logo, or a personalized message, our factory can produce it to your exact specification.
1. Size & Shape Customization
|
Size Category |
Diameter |
Typical Use |
|
Mini medal |
15–20 mm (0.6"–0.8") |
Lapel pin, charm, small collectible |
|
Small medal |
25–30 mm (1.0"–1.2") |
Junior competition, school award |
|
Standard medal |
40–50 mm (1.6"–2.0") |
Competition, event, commemorative |
|
Large medal |
55–65 mm (2.2"–2.6") |
Championship, premium award |
|
Extra large |
70–80 mm (2.8"–3.2") |
Special achievement, collector |
2. Available Metal & Finish Options
|
Metal Type |
Finish Options |
Best For |
|
Brass (solid) |
Gold, silver, nickel, antique bronze, gunmetal |
Premium medals, commemorative |
|
Zinc alloy (Zamak) |
Gold, silver, nickel, antique bronze |
High detail, cost-effective |
|
Copper |
Gold plate, silver plate, antique copper |
Artistic / rustic appearance |
|
Bronze |
Bright or antique bronze |
Military, historical, classic look |
|
Iron / steel |
Nickel or chrome plate |
Industrial / heavy-use awards |
3. Custom Artwork & Design
|
Customization Type |
Method |
Best For |
|
High-relief portrait / figure |
Die-struck embossing from custom die |
Commemorative medals, person tribute |
|
Logo / emblem |
Die-struck or laser engraved |
Corporate awards, event medals |
|
Custom text (front) |
Embossed or engraved lettering |
Names, dates, event titles |
|
Custom text (back) |
Engraved or embossed on back face |
Recipient name, sponsor info, date |
|
Blank (plain) |
Smooth, matte or polished finish |
Custom engraving by customer |
|
Full-wrap text |
Text along the medal circumference |
Long quotations, event details |
4. Ribbon & Attachment Options
|
Ribbon Type |
Width |
Colors Available |
|
Grosgrain (standard) |
25 mm or 38 mm |
Orange, red, blue, green, black, white, custom |
|
Satin |
25 mm or 38 mm |
Full color range, custom Pantone |
|
Custom printed ribbon |
25 mm or 38 mm |
Brand text, logo printed on ribbon |
|
Neck ribbon (lanyard) |
10–15 mm |
Full color + custom clip attachment |
|
Magnetic attachment |
N/A |
Magnet back for pin-on display |
|
Pin (clutch back) |
N/A |
Pin-back attachment, no ribbon needed |
5. Artwork Requirements & MOQ
|
Requirement |
Detail |
Notes |
|
Accepted file formats |
AI, EPS, CDR, PDF |
Vector artwork required for die making |
|
Relief height |
0.5–1.5 mm |
Higher relief = more dramatic depth |
|
Min detail line width |
0.2 mm |
For fine portrait details and text |
|
Die / mold creation time |
7–10 working days |
Steel die engraving + heat treatment |
|
Sample lead time |
10–14 working days |
Die making + strike sample + finishing |
|
MOQ (custom die + design) |
100 pieces |
New die + relief pattern |
|
MOQ (stock die, custom plate) |
200 pieces |
Existing die, new plating/ribbon |
|
MOQ (plain blank medal) |
50–100 pieces |
No custom relief, simple polished medal |
6. Packaging Customization
Bulk packaging: 50–100 pcs per polybag, packed in master carton (standard, no additional charge)
Individual velvet pouch: Each medal in a soft drawstring pouch — +2 working days
Presentation box: Premium leatherette or velvet-covered medal display box — +5 working days
Individual OPP bag with header: Clear bag + card backing for retail display — +2 working days
Display tray: Custom foam insert tray for medal display case — +7 working days
Certificate card: Branded certificate card with medal details — +3 working days
Packaging Options
|
Packaging Type |
Description |
Lead Time |
|
Standard polybag (bulk) |
50–100 pcs per bag, master carton |
Included |
|
Individual velvet pouch |
Soft velvet drawstring pouch |
+2 working days |
|
Presentation box |
Leatherette or velvet medal box |
+5 working days |
|
Display tray |
Custom foam tray, full set display |
+7 working days |
|
Certificate card |
Branded card with medal details |
+3 working days |
|
Retail blister card |
Clear blister with hang display |
+5 working days |
Shipping Options & Delivery Estimates
|
Shipping Method |
Transit Time |
Best For |
Cost Level |
|
Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS/TNT) |
3–7 working days |
Samples, urgent reorders |
Higher |
|
Air freight |
5–10 working days |
Mid-size orders 50–200 kg |
Moderate |
|
Sea freight (LCL) |
20–35 working days |
Bulk wholesale orders |
Lowest |
|
Sea freight (FCL) |
20–35 working days |
Full container 20GP/40HQ |
Most econ/unit |
Lead Time Summary
Die/mold creation: 7–10 working days (steel engraving + hardening)
Sample order (custom die + design): 10–14 working days
Sample order (stock design, custom finish): 5–7 working days
Bulk order (100–500 pcs): 12–15 working days after sample confirmation
Bulk order (500–2,000 pcs): 15–20 working days
Bulk order (2,000–5,000 pcs): 20–25 working days
Bulk order (5,000+ pcs): 25–30 working days
1. What is the minimum order quantity for a custom metal medal?
For a completely new custom design requiring a new steel die, the MOQ is 100 pieces per design. If you want to use our existing stock die but change the plating finish or ribbon color, the MOQ is 200 pieces. For plain blank medals without custom relief, the MOQ is as low as 50 pieces.
2. How long does a sample take?
For a new custom die design, the steel die engraving takes 7–10 working days, followed by sample striking and finishing in 3–5 working days. International shipping via DHL/FedEx takes 3–7 working days. Total from artwork approval to sample in hand: roughly 13–22 working days.
3. Can I get a different metal finish?
Yes. We offer gold plate, silver plate, nickel plate, antique bronze, antique silver, gunmetal, and copper finishes. The standard is matte background with polished raised relief. You can also request a fully polished finish or a fully matte finish.
4. Can I put custom text on both sides?
Yes. We can create dies for both the front and back of the medal. The front typically holds the main design and title, while the back can include the recipient name, event date, sponsor logo, or a full inscription.
5. What colors of ribbon do you offer?
We stock over 20 standard ribbon colors including orange, red, blue, green, black, white, purple, yellow, gold, silver, and pink. Custom Pantone colors are available with a 200-piece ribbon MOQ. Grosgrain (ribbed) is standard; satin, velvet, and printed ribbons are also available.
6. Can I get a medal with a custom shape instead of round?
Yes. We can produce medals in custom shapes: stars, shields, crosses, hearts, flags, or fully custom outlines. Custom shapes require a new cutting die in addition to the embossing die. This adds +2–3 working days to mold creation time.
7. Is the gold plating real gold?
Yes. The gold plating uses genuine gold electroplating. The standard thickness is 0.3 microns of 24K gold over a nickel barrier layer. We can increase the gold thickness (0.5 or 1.0 micron) for a premium option.
8. Can I get a medal with an enamel filled design?
Yes. We also offer cloisonné and soft enamel options where the recessed areas of the medal are filled with colored enamel. This creates a colorful, durable finish ideal for detailed logos. Please specify "enamel medal" when requesting a quote.
9. What is the quality guarantee?
We offer a 6-month quality guarantee. If the medal shows material defects (plating peeling, die detail breaking, ribbon fraying) within 6 months of delivery, we replace defective units free of charge.
10. Do you offer custom medal packaging with foam inserts?
Yes. We can custom-cut foam inserts in velvet or leatherette presentation boxes to match your medal shape exactly. The foam keeps medals secure and prevents scratching during transport.










