This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2022
Presented here is a second place winner’s silver medal from the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. The Games of the 5th modern Olympiad were highlighted by American Jim Thorpe winning two gold medals (in Pentathlon and Decathlon) and earning appropriate praise from Sweden’s King Gustav as “the greatest athlete in the world.”
The winner’s medals for the 1912 Games were among the smallest and most intricately crafted. A total of 285 silver medals were struck, making them a tough find in the hobby. The obverse, designed by Bertram Mackennal, shows two women crowning a victorious athlete with a laurel wreath. The reverse, designed by Erik Lindberg, shows a herald opening the Games and a statue of Pehr Henrik Ling (Swedish gymnastics pioneer) surrounded by “1912 OLYMPISKA SPELEN STOCKHOLM.” Minter "VAUGHTON" of England is engraved near the rim on the reverse. This medal comes in the appropriate size, measuring 33 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm thick and weighing 18 grams. It appears to be in VF condition with an excellent natural patina. High resolution images show more wear than the naked eye can see. All reliefs and high points of the medal are in great condition giving it wonderful eye appeal. We've only auctioned one other 1912 silver and this one is in far better shape.