Olympic medals had their obverse design standardized in 1924.
 In the seventeenth century medals were extensively used to commemorate events and glorify rulers
== Different metals ==Traditionally, medals are made of the following metals, in order of decreasing value:PlatinumGoldSilver, or silver-gilt, which is in fact used for Olympic "gold medals"BronzePewterCopperTinIronMany medals were and are made in several different metals, either representing awards for different places in a competition, or standards or classes, as with the Olympic medals, or simply different price levels for medals made for sale or donation by the commissioner

