The Nobel Peace Center reaffirmed on Thursday that the prestigious accolade cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others, even though the physical medal itself may change hands.
This statement followed an event where Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado symbolically presented her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House the previous day.
In a statement posted on X, the institution clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize title remains solely with the awarded individual, regardless of what happens to the medal after the official announcement of the award.
Quoting the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the entity emphasized, "Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred. The decision is final and lasts indefinitely."
The message also detailed that the Nobel Peace Prize medal measures 6.6 cm in diameter, weighs 196 grams, and is made of gold. The obverse features a portrait of Alfred Nobel, while the reverse displays three naked men with arms over each other's shoulders, symbolizing fraternity—a design unchanged for 120 years.
Historical Transfers of Nobel Medals
The Nobel Peace Center highlighted past instances where Nobel medals have changed owners post-award.
For instance, the medal belonging to journalist Dmitry Muratov was auctioned for over $100 million to aid refugees from the Ukrainian war.
Additionally, the medal currently displayed at the Nobel Center is on loan and was originally awarded to Christian Lous Lange, Norway's first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Political Reactions and Symbolism
The official clarification followed Machado's symbolic gesture of giving her medal to Trump, a move confirmed by the U.S. president himself, sparking political discussions in Washington.
Republican congress members like María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart publicly commended the act, recognizing it as a symbolic nod to Trump's policies towards Venezuela.
The statements ignited a public debate regarding the implications and significance of the medal's handover.
Understanding the Nobel Peace Prize's Non-Transferability
Can a Nobel Peace Prize be transferred to another person?
No, the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred to another individual. The award is irrevocable and remains with the original recipient regardless of what happens to the physical medal.
What was the significance of María Corina Machado's gesture to Donald Trump?
María Corina Machado's act of presenting her medal to Donald Trump was symbolic, acknowledging Trump's role in U.S. policies towards Venezuela. It sparked political reactions and discussions about the gesture's meaning.
Have Nobel medals been auctioned or transferred before?
Yes, there have been cases where Nobel medals were auctioned or transferred. A notable example is Dmitry Muratov's medal, which was auctioned to support Ukrainian war refugees.