Key Highlights
- A gleaming gold medal commemorates achievement.
- An exclusively crafted diploma bears the laureate’s name and citation.
- Recipients receive a substantial monetary award, adjusted annually.
- All laureates are honored with a grand public ceremony on the anniversary of Nobel’s death.
Detailed Insights
Gold Medal – Every laureate is presented with a finely engraved medal that depicts Alfred Nobel on the front and a specialty design for each field on the reverse. Modern medals are 18‑carat green gold plated with 24‑carat gold and weigh about 175 grams.
Diploma – The diploma is handcrafted by Swedish and Norwegian artists and contains the laureate’s name, a short citation of their contribution, and elaborate artwork. The Peace Prize diploma omits the citation.
Prize Money – The Nobel Foundation adjusts the award amount yearly according to its income. In 2023, the sum was 11 million Swedish kronor (~US$1 million). When multiple laureates share a prize the sum is divided proportionally.
Annual Ceremony – Celebrated each year on December 10, the awards are presented in Stockholm (except the Peace Prize in Oslo). The event is marked by keynote speeches, classical music and a banquet attended by royalty, scientists, and diplomats.
Key Concepts
- Nobel Medal – The gold trophy awarded to laureates, symbolizing prestige and crafted with field‑specific engravings.
- Nobel Diploma – A unique certificate signed by the King of Sweden or the Norwegian Nobel Committee, detailing the laureate’s achievement.
- Prize Money – The financial component of the award, calculated annually and divided among multiple recipients when applicable.
- Nobel Ceremony – The formal award day on December 10 featuring speeches, music, and a banquet.