Custom Medals Bulk Pricing | Cost Per Medal Guide
Custom medals bulk pricing is easier to budget than most buyers expect — 90% of the cost comes down to size, thickness, plating and quantity, and zinc alloy die-casting keeps unit prices remarkably low. This guide publishes real factory price bands for sports medals, military-style medals and corporate recognition pieces, plus the add-on costs (ribbons, engraving, packaging) that quote sheets often hide.
Cost Per Medal by Quantity and Size
Prices assume zinc alloy, 3mm thickness, 2D die-cast design, gold/silver/bronze plating, EXW Guangzhou:
- 50mm medal, 100 pcs — $0.85–$1.15 per medal
- 50mm medal, 500 pcs — $0.48–$0.65 per medal
- 70mm medal, 100 pcs — $1.30–$1.70 per medal
- 70mm medal, 1,000 pcs — $0.68–$0.92 per medal
- 90mm 3D medal, 500 pcs — $1.55–$2.10 per medal
Die-cast tooling is a one-time $60–$150 per design depending on complexity, and stays usable for reorders for 5+ years.
Add-On Costs Most Suppliers Quote Separately
Ribbons: printed sublimation ribbon $0.18–$0.35 per piece depending on width and length. Individual presentation boxes: $0.30–$0.80 for velvet or magnetic gift boxes. Laser engraving on the back (names, dates, placings): $0.08–$0.15 per medal. Epoxy dome coating: $0.05–$0.10. Bundling these into one quote avoids surprises — ask us for a landed-cost breakdown per unit.
What Drives the Price Between Zinc, Brass and Iron Medals
Zinc alloy is the default for 95% of sports and event medals — it casts cleanly, holds 3D relief, and plates well. Solid brass medals cost 40–80% more and are reserved for premium military-style and corporate pieces. Iron is cheapest but limited to 2D designs and rusts if plating is scratched. For material comparisons that affect coin-type products, our zinc alloy vs brass guide applies to medals too.
How to Hit Your Budget
Three levers move bulk pricing fastest: increase quantity (500→1,000 pcs saves ~25%), reduce thickness (3.5mm→2.5mm saves ~12%), and standardize plating (single gold instead of tri-color set). Marathon and event organizers can also see how our marathon medals page handles multi-distance medal sets within one budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for custom medals?
100 pcs for standard designs; 50 pcs possible with a small-batch surcharge.
How long does bulk medal production take?
12–15 days after artwork approval, plus 5–7 days air shipping to the US or Europe.
Are the medals safe for children’s events?
Yes — we produce to EN71-3 and CPSIA standards with SGS test reports on request. See our compliance page.
Can ribbons match our event colors exactly?
Yes, sublimation ribbon matches Pantone codes at no extra charge.
Get a firm quote in 24 hours. Send your artwork or idea and our engineering team will reply with pricing, MOQ and lead time. Request a quote.