Medaille

Medaille, in French often written médaille, is the term used for a medal: a small, flat piece of metal, usually circular, that is minted or struck to commemorate an event, recognize achievement, or serve as an insignia of honor. Medals are produced in various metals, including gold, silver, bronze, and base alloys, and are often presented with a ribbon or neck chain for wearing. They may function as awards, commemoratives, or tokens of membership within organizations.

History and usage: The concept of medals extends across many cultures and centuries. The modern medallic tradition began in Renaissance Europe and broadened in the 17th through 19th centuries, with professional medalists creating pieces for states, universities, and military bodies. In French-speaking contexts, a variety of award medals are issued by national and local authorities, including specific decorations or campaign medals.

Design and manufacturing: Each piece typically features an obverse with a portrait, emblem, or scene, and a reverse with inscriptions or further imagery. The edge may be plain, reeded, or engraved. The minting process can involve striking or casting, and some medals carry enamel, inlays, or color accents. The accompanying ribbon or suspension determines how the medal is worn or displayed.

Examples and categorization: Medals are categorized as commemorative medals that mark events or anniversaries; service or campaign medals that recognize contributions or deployments; merit or achievement medals that honor individuals for specific acts. National systems often include a range of awards and may place medals within a broader decoration or order. Notable examples include the Médaille militaire, a high French decoration for military merit, the Médaille de la Résistance, and, in the United States, the Medal of Honor.