Despite having the appearance of the luxury yellow metal, these medals are actually mainly composed of silver. The required amount of silver in Olympic gold medals is at least 92.5 percent, the gold itself only making up the plating on the outside.

When did Olympic medals stop being solid gold?

The last series of medals made of solid gold were awarded at the 1912 Summer Olympic Games in Stockholm. Traditionally, Olympic gold medals are required to be made from at least 92.5% silver, and must contain a minimum of 6 grams of gold.

Is it true that Olympic medals are solid gold?

Well, yes and no. Olympic gold medals have some gold in them, but they're mostly made of silver. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), gold and silver medals are required to be at least 92.5 percent silver. ... Medals should weigh between 500 and 800 grams (17.64 to 28.22 ounces).