Gold and silver prices have risen just in time for the 2026 Olympics, and now the winning athletes’ medals will be worth more money than ever with some going for more than $100,000.

Since early 2025, Gold prices Gold prices have nearly doubled, rising from $2,800 to more than $5,000 an ounce, a nearly 80% jump over the past year as wary investors look for a safe haven. The recent rise is unprecedented after decades of modest growth: since 1971, the value of the metal has increased by about 8% annually. Meanwhile, Silver The price has jumped sharply, trading at nearly $90 an ounce today, an increase of roughly 182% from about $32 a year earlier — far outpacing historically slow price increases. Bronze is a relatively abundant resource and carries much less value.

This year, Olympic silver medals will be made from 500 grams of 0.999 silver. Gold medals are made from this base and then plated with six grams of gold. So, when athletes take the podium starting this weekend, they will take home thousands of dollars in valuable items.

Each silver medal is worth approximately $1,400 in metal value, and each gold medal is approximately $2,400. In comparison, gold Medals awarded at the 2024 Games In Paris it was only worth about $900 at the time. A total of 245 gold, 245 silver and 245 bronze medals will be awarded during this year’s Olympic Games. At the Paralympics, 137 medals will be awarded in each of the three classifications, according to the federation International Olympic Committee.

While the raw metal value of Olympic medals is small compared to the millions of dollars that athletes invest in training, their collective and symbolic value often exceeds their physical value. Buyers pay big bucks for the history, rarity and prestige these trophies represent, as well as the stories of the athletes who earned them.

“Medals are tangible rewards for intangible efforts,” said Michele Ciccioli, CEO of the Italian Mint. Reuters.

Just this year, three former U.S. Olympic swimmers Ryan LochteGold medals It is said They sold for a total of $385,520 – an average of just over $125,000 each.

“I never swam for gold medals,” Lochte wrote. Instagram. “Those medals? It was just the cherry on top of an amazing journey.”

Although he faced many challenges after his time as an athlete, including the repercussions resulting from an accident… A fabricated theft story, Struggle with drug abuseand A Public divorce-The high auction price reflects the high market for Olympic medals. He sold six bronze medals and a silver for $166,000 in 2022.

Even if American athletes don’t win a medal, they will go home $200,000 richer

In addition to the medal, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee offers the winning athletes prize money: $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze.

Although winning the Olympics is a major accomplishment in life, the rewards alone are not lucrative enough to live on. Many athletes rely on sponsorships, which often disappear after they retire, and they leave some behind Former Olympians in financial uncertainty. Many of the more than 200 United States The athletes competing this year are juggling careers– As baristas, brokers and dentists – just for a chance at Olympic glory.

A billionaire steps in to help. Ross Stevens, founder and CEO of Stone Ridge Asset Management Each U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athlete was given $200,000– Regardless of whether they win a medal or not. Half will be deferred until age 45 or 20 after their first Olympic appearance, whichever comes later. The remaining amount of $100,000 is guaranteed to their families upon the death of the athlete. The award can be doubled at each Olympics in which the athlete competes.

In announcing the plan last year, Stevens He said: “I do not believe that financial insecurity should prevent our country’s elite athletes from breaking through new frontiers of excellence.”