Congressional Gold Medals

Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event. Although the first recipients included citizens who participated in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, Congress broadened the scope of the medal to include actors, artist, authors, entertainers, musicians, pioneers in aeronautics and space, explorers, lifesavers, notables in science and medicine, athletes, humanitarians, public servants, and foreign recipients.¹

Some medals made by the Mint are bronze duplicates of Congressional Gold Medals authorized under separate Public Laws. Congress approves these gold medals and presents them to individuals, groups, or institutions for their distinguished achievements and contributions. When legislation permits, the Mint strikes bronze duplicates for sale to the public.

The Mint usually makes a single medal per program, but some programs call for multiple medals like the Code Talkers Recognition Program, Hidden Figures, and the Fallen Heroes of 9/11 Bronze Medals. 

Watch this video to see how the Steve Gleason Congressional Gold Medal was made in Philadelphia.

The Mint continues sales of bronze duplicates long past the presentation date for the original Congressional Gold Medals. Search the list below to find out more about past programs and honorees or browse the full catalog of medals in our Shop.

¹ United States House of Representatives. "Congressional Gold Medal Recipients." June 2025. <https://history.house.gov/Institution/Gold-Medal/Gold-Medal-Recipients/>.