This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
Known as "Chaplain” medals in honor of designer J.C. Chaplain, these have long been collected as proxy participation medals; however, no participation medals were issued for the 1900 Paris Exposition/Olympic Games. A total of five variations of Chaplain medals were issued by the Universal Exposition Committee as a general award, with most recipients being individual members of firms or institutions. Bronze is the most common. Silvered Bronze and Gilt Bronze are much scarcer. Two other versions—Solid Silver and Gilt Silver “Vermeil”—are so rare that some Olympic collectors wonder if they even exist.
This Bronze Chaplain medal has a diameter of 63 mm and a thickness of 3.5 mm, weighing 100 grams. The obverse features a winged Nike victory figure supporting an athlete who holds a torch to the sky. "Exposition Universelle Internationale" surrounds the rim, with "1900" above the Nike figure on the right. Below the Nike figure is the recipient's name, "C. NIZET". On the reverse are the words "Republique Franciase" around an image of Marianne (national symbol of the French Republic) and the Paris skyline. The bottom edge of the medal is stamped with the cornucopia symbol of the French Mint and "BRONZE.” The medal presents in FINE overall condition with some visible dark green oxidation on both sides.