This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
The 1956 Winter Games, officially the VII Winter Olympiad, were held in Cortina D'Ampezzo in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy. These were the first Winter Olympics televised to a multi-national audience. There were 32 competing countries, making it the largest number of participating nations in a Winter Games to that point. A total of 819 athletes competed in 24 events across 4 sports. The Soviet Union made its Winter Olympics debut and won more medals than any nation. Presented here is an impressive 3rd place winner's bronze medal. It is made of pure bronze, measuring 60mm in diameter and 3.7mm thick and weighing 118 grams. It was designed by Constantino Affer and minted by Lorioli Bros. Ltd. (Milan, Italy). The obverse reads "VII GIOCHI OLIMPICI INVERNALI" ("Winter Olympic Games") in raised lettering with "COST.AFFER" inscribed; it features an idolized head of a woman with the Olympic rings over her head and a flaming torch at her left. The reverse has the Olympic motto "CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS" (Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger") above and "CORTINA 1956" below with a large ice crystal over Mt. Pomagagnon in the middle. It remains well-preserved with minor wear having kept its original dark brown finish. The patinas for 1956 bronze medals were made in two colors, the other being more green in appearance. Light green pigmentation (perhaps verdigris) has naturally formed in some areas. Overall it presents Near Mint. The recipient and event are unknown as no 1956 Winter Olympic medals provided this info.