Standard bronze finished medals are exactly the same medals as those that are presented. The medals all vary in color, some bronze, some silver, but the finishes are all the same and they tend to have about the same luster as a circulated coin. Old school military personnel tend to polish their own medals once they’ve had them placed on a rack. This brings out a sense of pride when the medals glisten. These standard medals are what most military members wear and they are appropriate for most occasions.