This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Featured here is a 1st Place Winner’s Olympic Gold Medal from the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Games. Held during the worldwide Great Depression, many nations and athletes were unable to pay for the trip to Los Angeles. There were less than half the number of participants as the 1928 Amsterdam Summer Olympics. Only 320 gold medals were minted (same number of silver and bronze), making it all the more special to be able to acquire one at auction. Designed by Giuseppe Cassioli of Florence, Italy and minted by Whitehead & Hoag, it is made of gold-plated silver as were all post-1912 gold medals. It weighs 98 grams and measures 55mm in diameter and 4mm thick. The obverse shows Nike, Goddess of Victory, seated above the stadium holding a winner's crown and palm branch with "Xth OLYMPIAD LOS ANGELES 1932" scripted on the right. The reverse shows a winner carried by jubilant athletes. The recipient and event are unknown as no 1932 winner’s medals provided this information. Very well-preserved in both color and texture, the medal presents in NM condition with light handling. The gold plating has worn off in areas, particularly along the upper rim. An example in slightly worse condition (significantly more blackening and some nicks on the rim) sold for $18,214 in our Spring 2015 Premier Auction. What an extraordinary Olympic artifact to add to one's collection!
Includes Letter of Authenticity from renowned Olympic memorabilia expert Ingrid O'Neil.