This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/21/2017
Offered here is a superb 1908 London Olympic Games participation medal. The Games of the IV Olympiad were originally scheduled to take place in Rome, but were relocated for financial reason. Lasting 187 days, these Games were the longest in modern Olympic history. Designed by Bertram Mackennal and minted by Vaughton & Sons (Birmingham, England), participation medals were struck in silver-gilt, silver, bronze and metal. The silver gilt, silver and bronze medals were offered to the officials and those who did not compete.
This appears to be a bronze version plated in gold. It measures 50 mm and 3-4 mm thick and weighs 62 grams. The obverse depicts a Greek four-horsed chariot with two men (the driver and the judge) about to award the victory palm to the winning athlete. The reverse features a winged Fame standing on a globe between legend between two raised relief inscriptions: "In Commemoration of the Olympic Games held in London 1908" on the left and "Elis Athens Paris St. Louis London" on the right to denote the order of host cities to that point. Designer noted on both sides: "BM" on obverse and "B.Mackennal" on reverse. Minter "Vaughton" inscribed on the edge. Presents in fine overall condition with handling and light tarnishing.