The Football World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, watched by millions of people around the globe. But what most don’t know, and might be surprised to find out, is that the medals awarded to winning teams are actually made from a precious metal – gold!
So how much gold do these medals contain? What else makes up a World Cup medal? Let’s explore further and see what we can uncover about this glimmering prize.
Yes, the Football World Cup medals are made from pure gold. Each medal is 18-carat solid gold and weighs approximately 145 grams. The medal’s design has changed over time, but each one features an image of two human figures holding up a globe between them to symbolize the world coming together in celebration of football.
History of Football World Cup Medals
Football World Cup medals are some of the most iconic awards in the world today, representing the outstanding achievements in the sport of football. They have been awarded since the first World Cup tournament in 1930, which was held in Uruguay.
Over the years, they have been adapted in their appearance and design to reflect the changing times while portraying the long-held recognition of champion football teams from around the globe.
The medal has undergone a few different phases in terms of its aesthetic. Initially, the medals for the first four tournaments in 1930, 1934, 1938, and 1950 were made of gold, shaped like a shield, and featured an engraving of the championships’ logo.
Following that, gold medals for all the tournaments from 1954 to 1998 featured a new design, with a white and blue enamel disc in the middle, surrounded by laurel leaves on the front and an inscription of FIFA on the back.
Then, in 2006, FIFA relaxed its criteria for designing the medal and allowed each tournament’s organizing committee to provide a unique design. Finally, since the 2014 tournament, all World Cup medals have featured the same design – a circular gold medal with the logo of the championship in the center and a laurel wreath border.
The meaning and history of the Football World Cup medal has remained unchanged for the past few decades and is something that football players and fans alike take great pride in. It stands as a symbol of international excellence, honoring the most talented teams from around the world.
Holding such a prestigious award is an incredible achievement and goes down in history as teams strive to win the competition year after year. All in all, the history of Football World Cup medals is a long and varied one, with the medal showcasing a few different styles over the years.
However, despite its changes in appearance, the medal has remained a symbol of great success, honoring the world-class footballing standards that served as inspiration for the tournament.
Materials Used to Make the World Cup Medal
The main material used in the production of the World Cup medal is gold. The medal is made of 18-karat gold, an alloy of 75% gold, and 25% other metals such as copper or silver. The gold used in the medal weighs around 55 grams. The gold used in the medal is chosen for its beauty and significance, as gold is often associated with victory and success.
The medal also has a ribbon attached, which is made of silk. The silk ribbon is chosen for its durability and its smooth texture. The ribbon is about 30mm wide and 180mm long. The silk ribbon is stitched to the medal, and it’s made by a special machine, so it’s very precise and neat.
In addition to gold and silk, the World Cup medal also features other materials, such as enamel and silver. A small amount of enamel is used to color the medal and give it a unique and vibrant appearance.
The enamel is applied to the medal using a unique technique, where it’s heated and then cooled, so it’s solidified and adhered to the medal surface. A small amount of silver is also used to give the medal a bright, polished finish.
How Much Is World Cup Gold Medal Worth?
The World Cup gold medal is a valuable and prestigious award, and a variety of factors, such as the gold content, the craftsmanship, and the historical significance of the tournament determines its worth. While the exact worth of the World Cup gold medal can vary depending on various circumstances, it is generally considered to be a valuable and highly sought-after item.
The gold content in the World Cup gold medal is one of the primary factors determining its worth. The medal is made of 18-karat gold, an alloy of 75% gold, and 25% other metals such as copper or silver. The gold content in the medal is about 55 grams.
The current gold price is around $50 per gram, and the gold content in the medal is worth around $2750. So as of today, the gold content in the medal is worth around $2750. However, it’s important to note that the value of the gold can fluctuate depending on the gold market prices.
Another factor that determines the worth of the World Cup gold medal is the craftsmanship.
The World Cup gold medal is a highly detailed and intricate piece of craftsmanship, and the time and skill that goes into its creation adds to its value. The medal is made by a specialized machine, which makes it very precise and neat.
The medal also features other materials such as enamel, which is applied to the medal using a special technique, and a small amount of silver, which is used to give the medal a bright, polished finish.
Lastly, the historical significance of the World Cup tournament also plays a role in determining the worth of the World Cup gold medal. The World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious and widely followed sporting events, and winning a World Cup gold medal is considered one of the greatest achievements in the world of football.
As a result, the World Cup gold medal is a highly sought-after item among collectors and football fans alike, which can drive up its value.
