A medal is usually the most junior of all the awards, usually shaped like a circle or otherwise like a coin. It is usually awarded for participation in a particular organization, but it may also be for one-off actions of some kind.

Medal is a piece of metal struck with a design, often coin-shaped, to commemorate a person, place, or event. Medals can be of various sizes and shapes, ranging from large medallions to small plaques, or plaquettes.

Badge and medal are forms of art design products worn on uniforms in various firms. However, badge and medal are also granted to commemorate an event or a person. But during significant moments, specific badge and medal are granted to those special individuals. In addition to this, momentous occasions that include film festivals, beauty pageant and international sports make specialized application of these well-designed and crafted art works.

Badges and medals that include gold medal, military medal, religious medal and many are molded out of bronze, silver, gold or any other metal. Silver and gold medals are a piece of merit and gratification, paid as a tribute to a personality. If an individual is granted a medal of honor, it is a memento and a matter of glorification. Similarly, if an employee belongs to a renowned and reputed corporation or firm, and has identification badge to showcase, craft item is again a matter of repute and pride. Medal is also used as a logo and identification mark for many corporations during corporate events.

Commemorative medals are issued in memory of a notable person or event. Military medals are civil and military decorations(disk, cross, or star), which are conferred by state, order, or organization for signal bravery or service or for distinction in science or the arts. Religious medals, often worn by roman catholics, are believed to be efficacious if blessed by the church; an indulgence may be attached to a blessed medal.

Medals have historically been given as prizes in various types of competitive activities, especially athletics. Medals have ranked as works of art since greek times; roman medals are notable for their realistic portraiture. Medals returned to fashion during the renaissance, especially through the fine work of pisanello.

A gold medal generally represents the highest award for achievement in a non-military field, with no restriction on eligibility. The concept comes from the military medals, initially with a simple recognition of military rank, and later decorations for admission to military orders dating back to medieval times. Since at least the 18th century, gold medal has been awarded in the arts, usually as a symbol of a financial award to give an outstanding student some freedom.

for fun we can say that medal is short for making a difference: educational development to enhance academic literacy.