Best Medal

Within Australia's honors system, the Victoria Cross for Australia recognizes the most conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. Established in 1991, it is the country's highest military decoration and continues the standards associated with the earlier imperial Victoria Cross. Exceptional...

Instituted in 1993, Canada's Victoria Cross is the country's highest decoration for military valour in the presence of the enemy. It recognizes exceptional bravery or self-sacrifice, rather than long service or general professional achievement. The Canadian award continues the Victoria Cross traditi...

The Victoria Cross is Britain’s highest award for military valour. Instituted in 1856 during the Crimean War, it recognizes exceptional bravery and self-sacrifice by soldiers facing extreme danger. Fewer than 1,400 individuals have received this honour, primarily awarded to those serving within the...

A gold medal bearing Alfred Nobel's portrait accompanies the Nobel Prize in Physics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences selects recipients for achievements in physics, including theoretical discoveries and experimental work that change understanding of the physical world. The medal is part of the...

Authorized by Congress in 1969, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor recognizes exceptionally meritorious efforts by astronauts that contribute to the welfare of the United States and humanity. Despite its congressional name, the President presents the medal on the recommendation of the NASA Admin...

Discoveries that deepen understanding of living organisms and human health are recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Its medal accompanies an international scientific prize selected by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet. This is a specific decision-making body, rather tha...

Since 1901, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has recognized discoveries and improvements in chemical science through an international award selected by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Each laureate receives a gold medal bearing Alfred Nobel's portrait as part of the prize. The medal commemorates...

Presented by the President of the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It recognizes especially meritorious contributions to national security or U.S. interests, world peace, and significant public or private endeavors. Its scope reaches beyond gov...

An Olympic Gold Medal recognizes outstanding achievement in international sporting competition. Constructed primarily of silver, it features a substantial layer of gold plating signifying victory. These medals are awarded to athletes who win first place at the Summer or Winter Olympic Games and are...

The Nobel Peace Prize Medal is a gold award given each year by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Established in 1901, it’s the sole Nobel Prize awarded within Norway. It recognizes individuals and organizations that have advanced international peace. The medal represents the highest honor for humanitar...

The Nobel Prize Medal in Literature is an annual award presented by the Swedish Academy recognizing exceptional achievement in literary work. Crafted from gold, it commemorates significant contributions to global literature and serves as a prestigious international symbol of artistic excellence. It’...

The George Cross is a British medal awarded for exceptional acts of bravery or distinguished services to civilians during times of war or peace. Instituted by King George VI in 1940, it remains the second-highest civilian honor and the highest award given to UK citizens for non-operational gallantry...

The Congressional Gold Medal expresses national recognition through an act of the United States Congress. Awards acknowledge significant contributions to American life, including public service and achievements in the arts, science or industry. Recipients can be individuals, institutions or groups,...

The Fields Medal is an international award recognizing outstanding mathematical achievement. Established in 1936 by the International Mathematical Union, it honors mathematicians under 40 who have made significant contributions to the field. It’s considered the highest distinction a mathematician ca...

The Légion d’honneur is a French national medal established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It represents France’s highest distinction awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the nation, both military and civilian. Recipients include distinguished figures in arts, sciences...

The Order of the Chrysanthemum is Japan’s premier honorific medal. Established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji, it recognizes exceptional service to Japan and is bestowed upon heads of state, members of the Imperial Family, and distinguished foreign individuals. It represents a significant distinction with...

The Pour le Mérite medal originated in 1774 as a Prussian honor recognizing distinguished service. It became the Kingdom’s highest order of merit until World War I, signifying exceptional bravery and valor in combat. Primarily awarded to officers within the German military—particularly the infantry...

The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is a British military medal presented by the Crown to recognize exceptional bravery during combat. Instituted in 1993, it serves as the second-highest award for gallantry, bestowed upon all ranks of the armed forces – including those in the British Army, Navy, and Air...

The National Medal of Science recognizes exceptional achievements in advancing knowledge within science and technology. Awarded annually by the President of the United States, this federal honor celebrates distinguished American scientists, engineers, and researchers. It acknowledges transformative...

The Copley Medal is a British accolade awarded by the Royal Society since 1731. It recognizes exceptional contributions to science across all disciplines. Historically, it has been presented to prominent figures in fields like physics, chemistry, and biology. The medal signifies significant achievem...

The Virtuti Militari medal is Poland’s highest military honor, awarded for exceptional bravery and valor during combat. Established in 1792 by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, it remains one of Europe's oldest military decorations. The award recognizes distinguished service to the Polish armed for...

The Distinguished Service Order is a British military medal recognizing exceptional service by officers during wartime. Established in 1886 by Queen Victoria, it’s awarded for bravery and merit, ranking beneath the Victoria Cross. It's presented to senior officer personnel within the UK military for...

The Presidential Citizens Medal is a federal honor bestowed by the President of the United States. Established in 1969, it’s the second-highest civilian award recognizing exceptional service performed by U.S. citizens. Recipients demonstrate significant contributions to their communities or nation....

The Navy Cross is a federal medal recognizing exceptional bravery demonstrated by service members during wartime. Awarded to sailors and Marines who distinguish themselves through courageous actions in combat, it represents the second-highest level of military decoration within the U.S. Navy and Mar...

The Distinguished Service Cross is a federal medal awarded by the U.S. Army for exceptional bravery and self-sacrifice displayed in combat. It’s the second-highest decoration for valor within the military. This honor recognizes soldiers who have demonstrated extraordinary gallantry while actively en...

The Pulitzer Prize Medal recognizes distinguished achievement in American journalism, literature, and music. Awarded annually since its establishment by Joseph Pulitzer in 1917, it’s presented by Columbia University to individuals and organizations demonstrating exceptional work within these fields....

The Abel Prize is an annual international award presented by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. It recognizes exceptional achievements in mathematics, honoring the legacy of Niels Henrik Abel, a pioneering Norwegian mathematician. The prize celebrates significant contributions to the fiel...

The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest wartime military honor. Established in 1950, it recognizes exceptional valor and selfless sacrifice demonstrated by personnel during combat with an opposing force. This medal is bestowed upon those who exhibit extraordinary bravery while facing enemy action. I...

The Military Order of William is a Dutch medal representing the nation’s highest military honor. Established in 1815 by King William I, it recognizes exceptional bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty within the armed forces. It is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated extr...