The Real Cost of Bronze:

Why Bronze Medallion Prices Have Changed (2018–2025)

Bronze is not just metal — it is engineered, melted, shaped, and finished by skilled hands.
At Hero Medallions, transparency matters. This page explains why bronze pricing has changed over time and what truly goes into creating a bronze medallion worthy of being called a keepsake.

What Bronze Is Really Made Of

Bronze is an alloy — not a single metal. Traditionally, it consists of approximately 88% copper and 12% tin, though modern bronze formulations often include aluminum, zinc, manganese, silicon, or phosphorus to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, and detail retention.

Every one of these metals trades on global markets. When their prices move, bronze moves with them.

The Three Biggest Drivers of Bronze Cost

1. Base Metal Prices

Copper and tin have risen dramatically since 2018. Even today, local bronze scrap pricing in our area sits around $3.00 per pound — and scrap pricing represents only a fraction of the cost of refined, production-grade bronze alloy.

2. Labor

Bronze medallions are not mass-produced plastic items. They require:

• Skilled foundry workers
• Precision casting or striking
• Hand finishing, polishing, and detailing

Today, labor and artisan skill often exceed the cost of the metal itself.

3. Energy

Melting bronze requires extreme temperatures and sustained energy use. Rising electricity, natural gas, and fuel costs have become one of the largest contributors to bronze price increases since 2020.

Bronze Pricing History (Simple USD Ranges)

Note: These are representative ranges reflecting alloy cost trends, not scrap pricing.

Why Bronze Prices Are Volatile

Bronze pricing responds to:

• Global commodity markets
• Infrastructure and manufacturing demand
• Trade and tariff policy
• Energy and labor inflation

Small increases in copper or tin ripple through the supply chain and multiply when energy, labor, and shipping are added.

What We Expect Going Forward

Under the current U.S. administration, continued pressure from tariffs, infrastructure spending, and energy policy suggests bronze costs are likely to remain elevated.

What this means for Hero Medallions:

• Pricing adjustments may occur more frequently
• Custom orders may reflect future alloy cost windows
• Transparency will always come first

Our Commitment to You

When you purchase a Hero Medallion, you are investing in:

• Solid bronze alloy
• Skilled American craftsmanship
• Energy-intensive, high-detail production
• Safe shipping of heavy metal artwork

Bronze isn’t cheap — and it shouldn’t be.
It is meant to last for generations.