Blog | Maxwell Medals & Awards

How Much Do Custom Medals Cost?

Written by Maxwell Medals & Awards | Mar 24, 2022 1:08:00 PM

Custom medals are a powerful way to celebrate achievements, promote your event, and create lasting memories. However, when planning your budget, one big question always arises: how much do medals cost?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, how much custom medals cost depends on several variables, ranging from the materials you choose to how many medals you need.

To help you better understand custom medal pricing, we’ve outlined the seven most important factors that influence the cost of your order.

Whether you’re organizing a 5K, a school competition, or a corporate event, this article will help you make informed decisions before contacting our experts.

1. Type of Medal

The type of medal you choose plays a huge role in determining how much custom medals cost. Different materials and manufacturing processes carry different costs.

Here are some of the most popular types:

Die Cast Medals – Great for intricate or layered designs, 3D sculpting, moving parts, and cut-outs. Ideal for premium, eye-catching medals. With or without color.

Spin Cast Medals – Excellent for capturing fine details with recessed and raised areas. With or without color.

Die Struck Medals – Traditional and prestigious, perfect for commemorating hall of fame members, lifetime achievements, or guest of honor awards.

Insert Medals – Affordable and quick to produce; ideal for events that need vibrant, full-color designs in large quantities.

ColorMax Medals – Beautiful full-color printed die cast medals that are thick, heavy, and perfect for fast-turnaround events.

Acrylic Medals – Lightweight, fast to produce, and ideal for modern, colorful designs in custom shapes.

Wood Medals – Unique and eco-friendly, perfect for trail runs, bike races, and outdoor events.

PVC Medals – Fun, flexible, and colorful; great for youth or themed events.

Glass Medals – Elegant and sophisticated; best for small quantities and high-end recognition.

2. Quantity Ordered

One of the biggest factors affecting custom medal price is quantity. The more you order, the lower the cost per unit. That’s because setup, mold, and production costs are spread across a larger number of medals.

Keep an eye on pricing tiers—sometimes ordering 1,000 medals may cost less per piece than ordering 950. Ask one of our sales associates about the next price break; it could save you money and ensure you have enough!

3. Size and Thickness

When asking, "How much do medals cost?" size and thickness are key. Larger medals use more material and weigh more, increasing both production and shipping costs. While medals can be made in nearly any shape, most are quoted based on the overall size (e.g., 2”, 3”), shape, and thickness.

Remember: shape matters too. A 3” square medal has more surface area than a 3” round one, which means higher costs in both materials and shipping.

4. Finish Options

The finish you choose can affect the overall custom medal price. Some finishes require extra materials or labor, which can raise costs.

Popular finish options include:

  • Shiny: gold, silver, bronze, brass
  • Antique: gold, pewter, silver, brass
  • Matte or satin
  • Nickel finishes (black, silver, or PMS color match)
  • Powder coating (PMS color match)

Your medal's finish plays a big role in its final appearance and budget, especially when matching brand colors or creating a premium look.

5. Design Features and Enhancements

Adding special features to your medals can elevate their impact, but it also increases their price. If you're wondering how much custom medals cost, think about how many of these elements you'd like to include:  

  • 3D sculpting
  • Soft or hard enamel color fills
  • Glitter or glow-in-the-dark colors
  • Full-color printing
  • Inserts or epoxy domes
  • Bottle openers, spinners, or magnets
  • Hinges, synthetic stones, or lights
  • Charms, keychains, or coin edges

These enhancements can dramatically increase the perceived value of your medal. However, the more features you include, the higher the custom medal price.

6. Medal Accessories

A medal is more than just the medallion—it’s often paired with accessories that complete the presentation. These can also affect how much your medals cost. Common accessories include:

  • Custom neck ribbons or lanyards
  • Ribbon attachments (snap clips, jump rings, velcro)
  • Engraving or personalization
  • Custom packaging for presentation

While many accessories are optional, they can significantly enhance the recipient’s experience and help your medals stand out.

7. Production Timeline and Shipping

Finally, one of the biggest variables in custom medal pricing is time. Standard production timelines vary depending on medal type, quantity, and manufacturing method. Need medals fast? Rush production or expedited shipping (especially by air) can drive up costs significantly.

Most custom medals are manufactured overseas, and the method of import—whether by air or ocean—has a significant impact on both the timeline and pricing. If you're short on time, expect to pay more.

Want to Know Exactly How Much Your Medals Cost?

If you’re still asking, “How much do medals cost?”, we’re here to help. At Maxwell Medals & Awards, our team of experts will walk you through your options and deliver a quote tailored to your unique needs.

Ready to get started? Request a quote today or give us a call! Let’s bring your custom medal vision to life—on time and on budget.