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So What Are Gold Medals from the Rio Olympics Really Worth?

Published

8 years ago

August 22, 2016

In case you wondered, they’re not solid gold.

All those medals that got handed out at the Rio Olympics have patriotic and sentimental value — but what about their cash value? This year, one gold medal (like the one shown, with swimmer Michael Phelps) is worth about $564, Forbes estimates, based on the price of gold and silver. Each 500-gram gold medal from Rio is plated with six grams of 99.9 percent pure gold, the article says, and the rest is silver of at least 92.5 percent purity. That dollar amount is down from the $708 “podium value” of gold medals at the London Olympics in 2012, when gold and silver prices were higher. A silver medal from Rio is worth about $305, and bronze medals, which are made of copper and zinc, have no intrinsic value. In keeping with the Rio games’ environmentally themed opening ceremonies, the medals were produced using eco-friendly methods, right down to the cases made from sustainably sourced wood.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”