Medal vs. Medallion — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
Medals are typically awarded for achievements, while medallions are larger, decorative pieces often worn as jewelry.
Difference Between Medal and Medallion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Medals are often recognized as a form of achievement or honor, awarded in educational, military, or sports contexts. They symbolize recognition for excellence, bravery, or accomplishment. Medals are usually small and designed to be worn on the chest, attached to clothing with a ribbon or pin. Whereas, medallions are generally larger decorative objects that can be worn around the neck or displayed as a piece of art. Medallions may be awarded for achievements too, but they are more commonly used as commemorative items or as jewelry without the specific connotation of recognizing an achievement.
Medals are made with the intention of being awarded to individuals or groups as a token of recognition. Their design often incorporates symbols or emblems specific to the awarding body or the reason for the award. On the other hand, medallions can be created for a broader range of purposes, including as souvenirs, collectibles, or personal adornment. They may carry artistic, cultural, or personal significance, without necessarily being linked to an achievement.
In terms of design and appearance, medals usually have a standardized look, with specific insignia and designs that represent the reason for the award. They are often made from metals like gold, silver, or bronze. Medallions, however, offer more flexibility in design and size, and can be made from a variety of materials, not limited to metal. They allow for more artistic expression and can be tailored to the preferences of the wearer or creator.
The process of awarding medals is often formal, involving ceremonies where recipients are recognized and honored for their achievements. This formal recognition is a key aspect of the significance of medals. Medallions, while they can also be awarded, do not necessarily require a formal ceremony and can be given as gifts or purchased as personal items.
Medals carry a sense of prestige and are often cherished as symbols of hard work, dedication, and success. They are kept as mementos and passed down through generations. Medallions, while they can also hold sentimental value, are more versatile in their usage and significance, serving as decorative items, personal expressions, or historical commemoratives.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Awarded for achievements or honors.
Often decorative, used as jewelry or commemorative items.
Size
Smaller, designed to be worn on the chest.
Larger, can be worn around the neck or displayed.
Material
Typically metals like gold, silver, bronze.
Can be made from a variety of materials, not limited to metal.
Design
Standardized with specific symbols or emblems.
Flexible in design and size, allowing for artistic expression.
Ceremony
Often involves a formal awarding ceremony.
Can be given as gifts or bought, not necessarily requiring a ceremony.
Compare with Definitions
Medal
An emblem worn as a mark of honor or distinction.
Members of the order wore their medals to the ceremony.
Medallion
An ornamental piece often symbolizing membership or achievement, but more decorative than a typical medal.
The club issued medallions to all its founding members.
Medal
An object that serves as a symbol of recognition in academic, military, or sports achievements.
The soldier was honored with a medal for his valor in battle.
Medallion
A large medal, often worn as jewelry or used as a decorative item.
The celebrity wore a striking medallion around her neck.
Medal
A token of recognition that is often collectible.
He has a vast collection of medals from World War II.
Medallion
A piece of metal, usually round, with a design or inscription used as a commemorative object.
The museum displayed ancient medallions from the Roman Empire.
Medal
A small metal disk given as an award for achievements, bravery, or tenure.
The athlete received a gold medal for her first-place finish.
Medallion
A piece used for personal adornment that can carry cultural or personal significance.
His medallion carries the emblem of his family's crest.
Medal
A piece of metal stamped with a design or inscription commemorating an event or person.
The university issued medals to celebrate its bicentennial.
Medallion
A decorative piece used in architecture or artwork, often circular and detailed.
The palace's ceiling was adorned with medallions depicting historic events.
Medal
A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are given as awards.
Medallion
A large medal.
Medal
A metal disc typically of the size of a large coin and bearing an inscription or design, made to commemorate an event or awarded as a distinction to someone such as a soldier or athlete.
Medallion
An emblem of registration for a taxicab.
Medal
Win a medal in a sporting event
They medalled in all the relay events
Medallion
Any of various large ancient Greek coins.
Medal
A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or an inscription commemorating an event or a person, often given as an award.
Medallion
An oval or circular design used as decoration.
Medal
A piece of metal stamped with a religious device, used as an object of veneration or commemoration.
Medallion
A painting or an engraving set in an oval or circular frame.
Medal
To win a medal, as in a sports contest
"We were the first Americans to medal" (Jill Watson).
Medallion
A circular portion of food, especially a boneless cut of meat
Medallions of veal.
Medal
To award a medal to.
Medallion
A large medal, usually decorative.
Medal
A stamped metal disc used as a personal ornament, a charm, or a religious object.
Medallion
A cut of meat resembling a medallion.
Medal
A stamped or cast metal object (usually a disc), particularly one awarded as a prize or reward.
Medallion
(art) A usually round or oval frame (often made of stucco) containing a decoration.
Medal
To win a medal.
He medalled twice at the Olympics.
Medallion
A circular certificate used in some places to register a vehicle, especially a taxicab.
Medal
(transitive) To award a medal to.
Medallion
A yellowish brown.
Medal
A piece of metal in the form of a coin, struck with a device, and intended to preserve the remembrance of a notable event or an illustrious person, or to serve as a reward.
Medallion
To mark with, or as with, a medallion or medallions.
A sunset that medallioned the eastern sky
Medal
To honor or reward with a medal.
Medallion
A large medal or memorial coin.
Medal
An award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
Medallion
A circular or oval (or, sometimes, square) tablet bearing a figure or figures represented in relief.
Medallion
Any of various large ancient Greek coins
Medallion
A circular helping of food (especially a boneless cut of meat);
Medallions of veal
Medallion
An emblem indicating that a taxicab is registered
Medallion
An award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
Common Curiosities
How are medals and medallions different in terms of size?
Medals are smaller and designed to be worn on the chest, whereas medallions are larger and can be worn around the neck or displayed.
What is a medal?
A medal is a small metal disc awarded as a token of achievement, bravery, or honor, often attached to clothing with a ribbon.
What is a medallion?
A medallion is a large, decorative piece, often worn as jewelry or used to commemorate events, without the specific connotation of an award.
Can both medals and medallions be made of metal?
Yes, both can be made of metal, but medallions may also be made from a variety of other materials.
Can anyone purchase a medallion?
Yes, medallions can be purchased by anyone and do not necessarily signify an achievement.
Do medals have a formal awarding process?
Yes, medals are often awarded in formal ceremonies, recognizing individual or group achievements.
Can a medal be considered a type of medallion?
Medals are a specific category of medallions, primarily focused on recognition and achievement.
Do medals always represent achievements?
Primarily, yes, medals are awarded to symbolize achievements or honors in various fields.
Are medallions only used as jewelry?
While often used as jewelry, medallions can also serve as decorative items or commemorative objects.
Are medallions used for awards?
Medallions can be awarded, but they are more commonly used for commemorative purposes or as personal adornment.
What materials are medals made from?
Medals are typically made from metals like gold, silver, or bronze.
Are medals and medallions collected as hobbies?
Yes, collecting medals and medallions can be a hobby, with collectors often focusing on specific themes or historical periods.
What is the cultural significance of medallions?
Medallions can carry cultural or personal significance, used to represent beliefs, affiliations, or family heritage.
What is the significance of a medal?
A medal signifies recognition of excellence, bravery, or achievement, often associated with a specific event or accomplishment.
How do the designs of medals and medallions differ?
Medal designs are standardized and related to the reason for the award, while medallions allow for more artistic expression.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
