Medal |link| Crack Jun 2026

Mild die cracks are actually quite common. They usually do not add significant financial value and, from a strict grading standpoint, might slightly reduce the grade of a proof medal, as they prevent the medal from being a "perfect" example of the original design.

Today, the “cracked” medals sit beside perfect ones in the museum, encased in their invisible argon shroud. Elara’s display label reads, simply: “Victory is not unbreakable. It is fragile, beautiful, and real.”

Many cracks originate on the edge of the medal where the pressure is uneven.

claimed her medal literally "broke in two" after falling into the snow Official Response Andrea Francisi medal crack

The medal had belonged to a Finnish runner, Eino Lehtonen, who won gold in the team gymnastics event. For over a century, it had rested in its velvet-lined case, pristine. But over the past five years, the cracks had begun to spread.

For non-valuable items, a specialized, high-grade epoxy can fill cracks, though this is not recommended for high-value collectibles.

If the metal was too brittle or the pressure too high during manufacturing, internal stress can cause a crack immediately. Mild die cracks are actually quite common

As tempting as it is for photos, biting a medal can cause significant, irreversible medal crack damage, particularly to the plating.

Never attempt to repair or clean a cracked medal, as this can worsen the damage.

While many medals are made of durable metals like bronze, copper, or silver, they are not immune to physical forces, environmental stressors, or manufacturing flaws. Why Medals Crack (Common Causes) Elara’s display label reads, simply: “Victory is not

While collectors and historians lament the devaluation caused by these flaws, the most famous cracks happen in real-time, on global television.

Note: For official, high-value medals, it is strongly recommended to use a professional conservator specializing in medals or numismatics.

If you have a collection of sports medals or family heirlooms, you can stop the "crack" before it starts: