Are the olympic gold medals actually solid 14-karat gold?

Question

Are the olympic gold medals actually solid 14-karat gold?

Answer 1

The medal for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is designed with inspiration coming from "bi", China's ancient jade piece inscribed with a dragon pattern. The medals, made of gold and jade, symbolize nobility and virtue and are the embodiment of traditional Chinese values of ethics and honor, sending forth strong Chinese flavor.

The medals are 70mm in diameter and 6mm in thickness. On the front side, the medal adopts standard design prescribed by the International Olympic Committee. While on the back, the medal is inlaid with jade with the Beijing Games emblem engraved in the metal centerpiece. The design inspiration of the medal hook derives from jade "huang", a ceremonial jade piece with decoration of double dragon pattern and "Pu", the reed mat pattern.

Noble and elegant, the Beijing Olympic Games medal is a blending of traditional Chinese culture and the Olympic spirit. It gives the winners of the Games great honor and acclamation as recognition of their achievement.

Answer 2

From what I heard and read they are gold plated and over lead and the athletes were told as to bite them as some do when they've won could be deadly

Answer 3

Not even close. I heard it's close to 7% gold. Check out the current rates for gold and you'll know why.

Answer 4

No they are not. They are gold plated. The last time the gold medal was actually solid gold was around 1913.