The United States Congress awarded its first Gold Medal to George Washington.
Silver and Bronze medals have sometimes been awarded in conjunction with the higher award.
A Bronze medal should not be confused with a bronze duplicate of a gold medal.
Bronze duplicates of gold medals are sometimes offered for sale by the U.S. Mint.
Bronze medals are rarely awarded: Congress may also authorize the U.S. Mint to strike commemorative bronze medals, such as the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal.