This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
Offered here are four ancient award medals from the 1900 Paris and 1904 St. Louis Olympics/Exposition Games. Held in conjunction with the World's Fair which lasted five months, they would later be identified as the 2nd and 3rd Games of the Modern Olympiad, respectively, but it took several years to gain such prestigious titles. At the time, many exposition participants were unaware that they were in fact taking part in "Olympic" events. Nevertheless, award medals from each Games are still quite collectible even with a relatively large supply in the market. All four medals come with their original presentation cases, albeit not in the best shape. The medals themselves remain in mostly VF condition.
1900 Paris Judges Plaque/Medal: This thin silvered-bronze medal (38 g) is designed by Oscar Roty and measures 35 x 51 mm. This medal was given to 1900 Olympic judges and officials during the Paris Exposition. Lettering on the obverse reads "LUMEN VENTURIS TRADITMORITU RA PERENNE" along with the dates 1801-1900. The reverse states "Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 Paris." Edge is "Bronze" hallmarked.
1904 St. Louis Gold, Silver & Bronze Award Medals: There are five versions of 1904 Olympics/World's Fair Exposition award medals, and three are offered here. Designed by Weinberg, the relief designs of each are the same. Obverse shows an eagle standing on a podium that reads "Gold/Silver/Bronze Medal Louisiana Purchase Exposition." Reverse has "Universal Exposition Saint Louis United States Of America" and Roman numerals "MCMIV" with two cloaked women in raised relief. The Gold (150 g) has a triangular shield shape, measuring 71 mm wide, 71 mm tall and 5 mm thick. The Silver (182 g) is square measuring 67 x 67 mm and 5 mm thick. The Bronze (114 g) is circular with a diameter of 64 mm and thickness of 4-5 mm.