This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Featured here is a stunning 1896 Athens Summer Olympic Games gold participation medal. Comprised of a special gilded bronze and plated in gold, this rare medal was issued to an important dignitary for the inaugural Games of the I Olympiad. Its splendid design is identical to the solid bronze participation medals presented to athletes competing in these first modern Olympic Games. Only a few hundred of these versions were made, making this one exponentially scarcer and all the more special to be able to acquire one at auction. Designed by N. Lytras and minted by W. Pittner (Austria), it measures 50mm in diameter and 4mm thick and weighs 58 grams. The obverse shows a seated Nike, Goddess of Victory, holding a laurel wreath over Phoenix emerging from flames with Acropolis in the background. The reverse has the Greek legend surrounded by a wreath. Wonderfully preserved for being struck 120 years ago, it shows some handling and two tiny black spots on the obverse, otherwise presenting in NM-MT in our opinion. The medal is accompanied by its original, velvet-lined, two-piece red presentation box, another rarity. An exquisite example that is surely one of the finest to hit the auction block.