This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
Presented here is an Olympic bronze medal from the 1968 Grenoble (France) Winter Games awarded for figure skating. These were the first Games that allowed East and West Germany to participate separately, and the first time the IOC ever ordered drug and gender testing of competitors. 37 nations participated with 1158 athletes across 35 events in just 5 sports. Norway won the most medals, the first time Russia did not lead the medal count since they began competing in the Winter Olympics in 1956. This rare 3rd place winner's bronze medal is made of pure bronze, measuring 60mm in diameter, 4mm thick and weighing 120 grams. Designed by Roger Excoffon, the obverse has "GRENOBLE 1968" and the '68 Winter Games logo within the French legend (Xemes JEUX OLYMPIQUES D.HIVER"). The reverse has a rendition of a figure skater in movement with "PATINAGE ARTISTIQUE" (the event in French). It marked the first time that winner's medals showed the sport on the reverse. "BR" inscribed on rim. All winner's medals from the '68 Winter Games came with a multicolor ribbon. This one is 4.5 inches long as it has been trimmed from its original length. The medal itself exhibits light handling, yet remains very well-preserved and presents in NM condition. Fantastic example for one's Olympic collection!