staff Medals are small portable artistic objects, often metal, with a design on both sides. They are sometimes used as awards.
A study recently found that happy people value and appreciate silver and bronze medals more than unhappy people. Researchers discovered this by watching video clips of NBC’s coverage of the 1992 Olympic Games and evaluating medalists’ post-competition reactions.
They are a Symbol of Achievement
Medals are a form of award, honor or decoration used to recognize various achievements. They are often made of metal and come in a variety of shapes. They are primarily grouped into three categories: awards, decorations and military medals.
Traditionally, they are cast from a mold or struck from a set of dies. They can be either round or rectangular and have a suspension loop, ribbon and clasp.
They can also be formed like crosses or stars. They are typically larger and heavier than coins.
The word “medal” is derived from the Greek meaning “a badge of rank.” They are awarded for achievements and can be given to individuals or units. They can be issued to service members in any military branch, including the armed services, reserve and National Guard.
Besides awards and decorations, they may be made for religious or devotional reasons or to commemorate a person or event. They are sometimes made purely for artistic purposes, as in the case of plaquettes. The obverse of a medal can be engraved with a portrait or pictorial scene, and the reverse is left blank or used to display an inscription.
They are a Source of Pride
Whether you are a veteran, a student, or a proud patriot, you probably have at least one medal in your collection. They are a great way to show off your accomplishments and help you remember the good times.
The custom medals can be made from various materials, including rock, gemstone, ivory, glass, porcelain, coal, wood, paper, enamel and lacquerware. They may be circular, octagonal or rectangular.
They may be worn on a ribbon or with a brooch pin to the breast. They may also be gilded, silver-plated or gold-filled to enhance their appearance.
They are an excellent way to commemorate an event or achievement but can also be a source of hilarity. For example, the most valuable medals are often a half-inch in diameter or larger. A good quality medal with lovely gold plating, a beautiful design and a well-made clasp or ribbon can be worth quite a bit of money.
They are a Source of Motivation
Medals are a great way to make people feel good about themselves. They recognize achievements and are a source of motivation for people to work harder at their next task.
Medals can be made from various materials, including bronze, copper, silver, brass, or gold. Some can be gilded, gold-plated, chased, or decorated with other artistic techniques.
Some medals are made of wood, stone, wax, or other materials. They are then cast in a mold or struck from a die.
Many medals are designed to be hung from a ribbon. They usually include a small suspension piece at the crest to loop a suspension ring through.
They may also be pinned to the breast, affixed to clothing, or worn on the lapel. Some are even engraved to make them look more attractive.
Although awards are a powerful motivator, they should be used carefully and only for behaviors with a clear external reward. If there isn’t one, or if the reward is too large, it could interfere with intrinsic motivation, causing a drop in performance.
They are a Source of Social Recognition
Medals have a long history of being used for social recognition. They can be awarded to someone for performing a task, making an effort, or showing a specific skill. They are often presented at special events such as sporting competitions and awards ceremonies.
The award might be a monetary one, or it could be a token of gratitude, or it could be a piece of art in its own right. Medals can be made of many materials, including gold, silver, brass, bronze, copper, iron, iridium, or platinum.
Aside from being an essential source of social recognition, they are also an excellent way to celebrate achievements. They can also be a suitable device to assist organizations in driving engagement and are particularly prevalent with more youthful workers.
They are a Source of Collectability
Collecting medals is a passion for many people. Those who collect military medals enjoy the fact that their collection will last for generations and the sentimental value of owning a piece of history.
A medal is a numismatic artifact that can be worn as a decorative item or displayed for artistic or commemorative purposes. Traditionally, they are made from bronze or silver, although various metals have been used in their production. They may be gilded, gold- or silver-plated, chased, or finished in multiple ways to add more value.
They can be circular, rectangular or shaped like crosses and stars. Generally, they are not issued for commerce and do not circulate in the same way as coins.
When buying or selling a medal, consider its condition and whether it has any paperwork to prove its provenance. Damaged medals are less valuable than ones that are in pristine condition. They should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper or cloth and kept away from moisture and abrasions, such as rubbing or scuffing.
