Medal

A symbolic personal ornament or souvenir awarded to an individual or group for achievement. It may be made of precious or base metals, stamped with an emblem and legend, and, if worn it may be in the form of a brooch, or a pendant suspended with a ribbon. Famous medals are the Olympic Games' gold, silver and bronze awards, the awards of various national literary, artistic, and scientific competitions. Military medals are issued by may governments for valour (e.g. the USA's COngressional Medal of Honour). Commemorative medals are struch for significant events such as royal innaugurations, notable space flights by astronauts and cosmonauts, and centennial anniversaries of governments. Commercial medals include both commemoratives and awards at major agricultural, industrial and trade fairs.