THE FUSE

By Everson Luhanga

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics medals are the most valuable ever because gold and silver prices have risen significantly.

Gold prices have risen more than 100% since the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, while silver prices climbed even faster.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics medals have become the most valuable in Olympic history. This is because gold and silver prices have risen dramatically.

Gold prices have increased by more than 100% since the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. Silver prices have climbed even faster. The value of the metal inside the medals has more than doubled compared to previous Games.

Gold medals are mostly made from silver with a thin gold coating. Silver medals are solid silver. Because prices are higher, the value of these medals has increased significantly.

The medals are produced by Italy’s state mint, the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato. They are carefully designed and crafted.

Rael Demby is chief executive officer of The South African Gold Coin Exchange and The Scoin Shop.

“People often think of medals purely as sporting trophies, but from a minting perspective, they are extraordinary works of art,” Demby said.

“They represent the highest levels of metalworking skill, design, sculpting, striking and finishing all coming together to create an object that carries enormous emotional and historical weight.”

Demby said rising medal values also drive interest in commemorative coins linked to the Games.

“Historically, Olympic commemorative coins have been highly sought after because they capture moments of global significance in beautifully crafted, limited edition pieces,” he said.

For many families around the world, surviving each month is getting harder as prices continue to rise. Food, transport and basic needs cost more. The rising medal values reflect these broader economic pressures.

Pictured above: The 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal.

Image source: Milano Cortina 2026