This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2022
Copa América is one of the world's oldest soccer competitions and has traditionally featured only South American countries to determine the best national team on the continent. The first one took place in 1916, hosted and won by Argentina. La Albiceleste (White and Sky Blues) have won the tournament 14 times, but Uruguay leads with 15. Surprisingly, Brazil is third with nine Copa titles. Since 1993, at least two teams -- one or more from North America and one from Asia -- have been invited outside of South America's usual 10 CONMEBOL [South American Football Confederation] teams. The 2021 edition was held in Brazil. In the end, it was Argentina holding off the host nation Brazil in the Finals, 1-0. Players, coaches and important staff members from the teams who finished first, second and third place received winners medals.
Presented here is a gold-plated winner's medal issued to a member of 2021 Copa America champion Argentina National Team. Designed with a loop and lovely blue 2021 Copa America ribbon (32” if fully stretched) to wear proudly, it measures 60 mm in diameter and weighs 88 grams (including the ribbon). The obverse has “Al Campeon [To Champion]” at the top with “CONMEBOL Copa America 2021” at the bottom and an image of the tournament emblem at center. The reverse has an image of the South American continent and “1916” to denote the first year the tournament was played. The recently-issued medal shows very light wear from handling, but does have a little darkening to the plating on one side. This is the first example we have offered and we have yet to find another come up for auction.