---
title: Why the Back of the Medal Matters More Than You Think
description: The best medals aren’t just manufactured. They’re designed with intention.
image: https://blog.badgesandmedals.com/hubfs/medal-6.jpg
---
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# Why the Back of the Medal Matters More Than You Think
Written on 22/04/2026. Posted in [Custom Medals](https://blog.badgesandmedals.com/learning-centre/tag/custom-medals) .
Most medal designs focus on the front.
That’s where the logo sits. The branding. The main visual moment.
But the medals people keep, and come back to, are often the ones where the back has been given just as much thought.
Because that’s where the medal becomes personal.
**1. Space for Personalisation**
The back of the medal is often the only place that can be truly individual.
That might be:
A finisher’s name
A time or result
A distance or category
A unique identifier
This is what turns a medal from a shared object into something that belongs to one person.
A strong example of this is the Belfast City Marathon medal, which includes an iTab space specifically designed for adding your own name and time. It ensures personalisation feels integrated into the design, while keeping everything clean and legible.
## **2. Where the Story Can Continue**
The front usually captures the identity of the event.
The back is where you can add depth.
- A course map that reflects the challenge
- A message that captures the spirit of the event
- A milestone or stat that gives context to the achievement
- A secondary graphic that complements the front
The Kepler medal is a great example of this approach, using the reverse side to include a message alongside supporting branding/design elements. It extends the story of the event without cluttering the front.
## **3. A Place for Detail Without Clutter**
Not everything needs to live on the front.
Trying to include too much can quickly make a medal feel crowded or hard to read.
By moving supporting elements to the back, you can keep the front clean and impactful while still including everything that matters.
This might include:
- Sponsor logos
- Additional event details
- Supporting text or secondary branding
The McCourt Foundation medals use this well, placing logos and supporting branding on the reverse side. It keeps the front focused on the main design while still recognising their brand in a clean, considered way.
**4. Hidden Design Moments**
Some of the best medals reward a second look.
The back is the perfect place for details that aren’t immediately obvious but add depth to the design.
- Subtle textures or patterns
- Small symbols tied to the event
- Easter eggs that only participants understand
- Fine details that reveal themselves over time
The Melbourne Marathon medal is a strong example, incorporating a braille element into the design. It’s a thoughtful detail that adds meaning and inclusivity. It is not immediately obvious, but powerful once discovered.
## **5. Where Interaction Happens**
When someone receives a medal, they don’t just look at it. They turn it over.
That instinct creates a natural second touchpoint.
If the back is blank, that moment ends quickly.
If it’s designed with intent, it extends the experience. People pause, take a closer look, and often show it to others.
The Two Cities medal goes a step further by incorporating an interactive stand element, giving the medal a purpose beyond wearing. It can be displayed and engaged with after the event.
**6. It Makes the Medal Feel Complete**
A medal that’s only designed on one side can feel unfinished.
Even if the front is strong, a blank or neglected back creates an imbalance.
Adding texture, detail, or even a simple, clean finish to the reverse side makes the entire piece feel considered.
It doesn’t need to be complex. It just needs to feel intentional.
**Why the Back Completes the Medal**
The back of the medal isn’t secondary.
It plays a clear role in how the medal functions and how it’s experienced.
It’s where personalisation can be added cleanly. Where supporting details can sit without overcrowding the front. Where additional elements can extend the design without distracting from it.
When it’s done properly, the medal feels balanced. Nothing is missing, and nothing feels forced onto the front.
Because a great medal isn’t just about the main visual.
**It’s what turns a good medal into a complete one.**
[Read: Metal Medals Vs Wooden Medals Vs Insert Medals](https://blog.badgesandmedals.com/learning-centre/best-medal-type)
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