How Much Do Custom Medals Cost in 2026? A Complete Pricing Guide

One of the first questions event organizers, race directors, and procurement buyers ask is: how much do custom medals cost? The answer depends on several factors. In this guide, we break down real 2026 pricing for custom medals, explain what drives the cost, and show you how to get the best value for your budget.

Quick Answer: Custom Medal Price Range in 2026

Custom medals typically cost between $0.40 and $5.00 per piece. Most event organizers pay around $0.80 to $2.50 for a standard zinc alloy medal with a custom ribbon. Premium designs, small quantities, or special finishes push the price higher.

Type	Price per piece	Best for
Iron die-struck medals	$0.40 - $1.20	Budget events, large quantities
Zinc alloy cast medals	$0.70 - $2.50	Most races and events
Brass medals	$1.50 - $4.00	Premium awards, corporate gifts
3D / cut-out medals	$1.50 - $3.50	Marathons, special events
Glow / glitter / translucent	$1.00 - $3.00	Themed races, novelty designs

7 Factors That Affect Custom Medal Cost

1. Material

Iron is the cheapest option and works well for simple stamped medals in large quantities. Zinc alloy is the most popular choice because it balances detail, weight, and cost. Brass is heavier and more premium, making it ideal for high-end awards and commemorative pieces.

2. Size and Thickness

A standard race medal is 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Larger medals use more material and cost more. Thickness also matters: 2.5mm to 3mm is standard, while thicker medals feel more premium but increase material cost.

3. Production Process

Die-stamping is faster and cheaper for simple designs with few colors. Die-casting allows for complex 3D shapes and cut-outs but costs more because it requires a mold. Spinning, sliding, or multi-piece constructions add even more complexity.

4. Colors and Enamel

Each soft enamel or hard enamel color adds cost. A simple one-color design is cheapest. Multi-color designs with gradients, glitter, glow, or translucent effects require more labor and materials.

5. Plating and Finish

Shiny gold, silver, and bronze finishes are standard and affordable. Antique finishes, dual plating, black nickel, and rainbow plating cost more but create a distinctive look that many event organizers prefer.

6. Quantity

Like most manufactured products, custom medals have strong volume discounts. An order of 100 medals may cost $2.50 each, while 1,000 pieces of the same design could drop to $1.00 or less. Setup and mold fees are spread across more units at higher quantities.

7. Ribbons, Packaging, and Shipping

Standard sublimated ribbons are usually included or low cost. Upgraded woven ribbons, velvet pouches, acrylic cases, and custom presentation boxes add to the total. Shipping from China by sea is cheaper but slower; express air is faster but more expensive.

Sample Cost Breakdown for a 5K Race

Here is a realistic example for a typical 5K race order:

• Quantity: 300 pieces
• Material: Zinc alloy
• Size: 2 inches, 2.5mm thick
• Finish: Antique bronze
• Colors: 3 soft enamel colors
• Ribbon: Sublimated custom ribbon
• Packaging: Individual poly bag

Estimated price: $1.10 to $1.50 per medal, or $330 to $450 total before shipping. Express air shipping to the US typically adds $80 to $150.

How to Reduce Custom Medal Costs

• Order more pieces to lower the per-unit price.
• Choose zinc alloy instead of brass unless weight is critical.
• Limit the number of colors and special effects.
• Use standard shapes instead of complex cut-outs.
• Combine multiple events into one larger order if designs are similar.
• Order early to use sea freight instead of express air.

Why China Manufacturers Offer Lower Prices

Chinese medal factories often produce the same quality at 30% to 50% lower cost than local suppliers in Western markets. The savings come from lower manufacturing overhead, in-house mold making, and direct factory pricing without distributor markups. For event organizers with tight budgets, this makes a significant difference, especially for orders of 500 pieces or more.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

To receive an exact price, provide your supplier with the following details:

• Quantity needed
• Material preference (iron, zinc alloy, brass)
• Size and thickness
• Design file or description
• Number of colors
• Plating finish
• Ribbon requirements
• Packaging and shipping destination

Most factories, including Sino Awards, offer free digital proofs and quotes within 24 hours.

Conclusion

Custom medal pricing in 2026 ranges from about $0.40 for basic iron medals in bulk to $5.00 or more for premium brass or complex designs. For most events, a well-designed zinc alloy medal with custom ribbon costs between $0.80 and $2.50 per piece. Understanding the factors that affect cost helps you make informed decisions and stretch your event budget.

Frequently Asked Questions