Amazing set of 31 Summer Olympics medals, consisting almost entirely of participation medals plus a couple additional types, representing a near-complete set; the only one absent is the excessively rare St. Louis 1904 participation medal. Highlights include a stunning gilt bronze participation medal from the first Modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896, and an extremely scarce bronze participation medal from the Stockholm equestrian events of the 1956 Games. View all images here.
Collection includes:
1. Athens 1896 Summer Olympics Gilt Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
2. Paris 1900 Summer Olympics Silvered Bronze Winner’s Medal
3. Athens 1906 Intercalated Summer Olympics Silvered Bronze Participation Medal
4. London 1908 Summer Olympics Pewter Participation Medal
5. Stockholm 1912 Summer Olympics Pewter Participation Medal
6. Berlin 1916 Summer Olympic Trials Winner’s Medal [Canceled Games]
7. Antwerp 1920 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
8. Paris 1924 Summer Olympics Participation Medal
9. Amsterdam 1928 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
10. Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
11. Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
12. Helsinki 1940 Summer Olympics Tombac Fundraising Medal [Canceled Games]
13. London 1948 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
14. Helsinki 1952 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
15. Melbourne 1956 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
16. Stockholm 1956 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
17. Rome 1960 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
18. Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics Copper Participation Medal
19. Mexico City 1968 Summer Olympics Copper Participation Medal
20. Munich 1972 Summer Olympics Steel Participation Medal (with case)
21. Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics Copper Participation Medal
22. Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics Tombac Participation Medal
23. Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
24. Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
25. Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics Burnished Copper Participation Medal (with pouch)
26. Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
27. Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics Silvered Participation Medal (with box)
28. Athens 2004 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
29. Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
30. London 2012 Summer Olympics Cupronickel Participation Medal
31. Rio 2016 Summer Olympics Alloy Copper Participation Medal (with box)
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Detailed descriptions:
1. Athens 1896 Summer Olympics Gilt Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
Participation medal issued for the Athens 1896 Summer Olympics. Gilt Bronze, 50 mm, 58 gm, by W. Pittner, Austria. The front features a seated Nike holding a laurel wreath over a phoenix emerging from flames, with Acropolis in the background; the reverse bears a star surmounted above five lines of Greek legend set within a laurel wreath. The immolation of the phoenix and emergence from the ashes symbolizes the rebirth of the Olympic Games after a hiatus of more than 1,500 years. Complete with its red leather case.
2. Paris 1900 Summer Olympics Silvered Bronze Winner’s Medal
Winner's medal issued for the Paris 1900 Summer Olympics. Silvered bronze, 42 mm x 60 mm, 47 gm, by Frederic Vernon, Paris. The front, inscribed "Republique Francaise, Exposition Universelle, Paris 1900," features a winged goddess scattering laurels over the grounds of the Exposition; the reverse identifies the sport as national shooting contest, "Concours de Tir [Shooting Competition], VIIme Concours National," and depicts a victorious athlete upon a podium with a stadium and the Acropolis in the background. Stamped "Bronze" on an edge. As no official participation medal was issued for the Paris 1900 Olympics, this prize medal represents the 1900 Games in this collection.
3. Athens 1906 Intercalated Summer Olympics Silvered Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the 1906 Intercalated Athens Olympics. Silvered bronze, 50 mm, 58 gm, by Nikephoros Lytras. The front shows a seated Nike holding a laurel crown above a phoenix rising from flames, with the Acropolis in the background; the reverse bears an inscribed Greek legend within a laurel wreath. The 1906 Athens participation medal was manufactured from the unused inventory of the 1896 Athens participation medals; the only difference being that a 1906 plaque has been soldered over the original 1896 date. These silvered bronze versions were distributed to dignitaries and officials. Although the 1906 Athens Games were considered the Olympics by the press and participants, they were never officially sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee.
4. London 1908 Summer Olympics Pewter Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the London 1908 Summer Olympics. Pewter, 51 mm, 47 gm, by Bertram Mackennal. The front depicts a quadriga with charioteer and judge, preparing to present the palm of victory; the reverse bears the winged figure of Fame standing on a globe with raised text on either side, “Elis, Athens, Paris, St. Louis, London” and “In Commemoration of the Olympic Games Held in London, 1908.” Inscribed on the edge, “Vaughton.”
5. Stockholm 1912 Summer Olympics Pewter Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Stockholm 1912 Summer Olympics. Pewter, 51 mm, 45 gm, by Bertram Mackennal/Erik Lindberg. The front features a raised quadriga with charioteer and judge, preparing to present an athlete with the palm of victory; the reverse bears Zeus seated on a Ionic column in relief, holding a small figure of the goddess Nike, with the city of Stockholm in the background and raised lettering along the top.
6. Berlin 1916 Summer Olympic Trials Winner’s Medal [Canceled Games]
Winner’s medal issued for the German Olympic trials prior to the canceled Berlin 1916 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 50 mm, 54 gm. The front features a bust of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany; the reverse reads (translated), “The Winner in the Olympic Trial Contest,” with “The German Committee for the Olympic Games” around the perimeter. The 1916 Olympics were scheduled to be held in Berlin, Germany, but were eventually canceled due to the outbreak of World War I. Any memorabilia related to the 1916 Olympiad is thus quite uncommon.
7. Antwerp 1920 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Antwerp 1920 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 60 mm, 75 gm, by Pierre Theunis. The front depicts a dramatic image of a flying Victory crowning a charioteer on biga; the reverse features Nike standing before a burning censer and crowning a trio of victorious athletes, with Antwerp in the background and raised text, "VIIme Olympiade—Anvers, MCMXX."
8. Paris 1924 Summer Olympics Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Paris 1924 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 55 mm, 72 gm, by Raoul Benard. The front features a stunning raised depiction of the goddess Nike crowning victorious athletes with laurel wreaths; the reverse bears a city view of Paris and raised text, “VIIIe Olympiade, Paris, 1924,” with the designer’s monogram below.
9. Amsterdam 1928 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Amsterdam 1928 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 55 mm, 62 gm, by J. C. Wienecke. The front features nude male and female athletes on a podium holding a torch over the Olympic flame, with a balance on laurel branches in exergue; the reverse bears the goddess Nike over Marathon Tower, the shield of Amsterdam between two hemispheres, and the Olympic stadium in the background.
10. Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 69 mm, 147 gm, by Julio Kilenyi. The front depicts an athlete standing with an unfurled Olympic flag reading “Xth Olympiad 1932.” The reverse features two seated female figures supporting the shield of the United States under raised text, “Los Angeles, California”; the figure on the left is holding an olive branch, and the other rests her hand on a shield bearing the seals of the State of California and the City of Los Angeles. Edge bears the engraved maker’s mark of the mint, “Whitehead-Hoag.”
11. Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics. Brown bronze, 70 mm, 114 gm, by Otto Placzek. The front depicts five athletes, representing the five continents, pulling the ropes of the Olympic bell, with raised text, "XI Olympiade, Berlin, 1936"; the reverse bears the Olympic bell embossed with the German eagle gripping the Olympic rings within five concentric circles, and the name of the designer on the outer edge.
12. Helsinki 1940 Summer Olympics Tombac Fundraising Medal [Canceled Games]
Uncommon fundraising medal for the canceled Helsinki 1940 Summer Olympics. Tombac, 38 mm, 13 gm, by Ilmari Sysimetsä. The front depicts the Helsinki Olympic Stadium and raised text, “XII Olympia, Helsinki 1940”; the reverse features a nude torchbearer against the globe, with raised text above, “XII Olympia 1940 Helsingfors.” These uncommon medals were struck November 30, 1939, and, after the war, were sold for the benefit of the Viipuri district of the Finnish Gymnastics and Sports Federation.
13. London 1948 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the London 1948 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 51 mm, 61 gm, by Bertram Mackennal/John Pinches. The front features a quadriga with charioteer and judge, preparing to present an athlete with the palm of victory; the reverse bears a city view of London above Olympic rings and raised lettering, “XIV Olympiad, London, 1948.”
14. Helsinki 1952 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
Participation medal issued for the Helsinki 1952 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 54 mm, 77 gm, by Kauko Rasanen. The front depicts the heads of two laureate athletes superimposed over the Olympic Stadium, with raised text, "Helsinki 1952"; the reverse bears male and female athletes holding torches over the Olympic rings, with raised text above, "XV Olympia." Complete with its original box.
15. Melbourne 1956 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Melbourne 1956 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 63 mm, 105 gm, by Andor Meszaros. The front depicts the Olympic motto encircled by pairs of athletes following the march of a flag-bearer; the reverse bears the Melbourne coat of arms and Olympic rings, with raised text along the top, “Olympic Games Melbourne, 1956.”
16. Stockholm 1956 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Sought-after participation medal issued for the equestrian events held in Stockholm for the Melbourne 1956 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 38 mm x 50 mm, 39 gm, by John Sjosvard. Inspired by a sculpture in the Parthenon, the front, inscribed around the upper border, "XVI Olympiadens Ryttartavlingar Stockholm 1956," features an ancient Greek horse and rider on a platform, with the Olympic rings below; the reverse face is plain. Due to Australian agricultural quarantine regulations, the equestrian events of the XVI Olympiad were held five months earlier in Stockholm, Sweden, making the 1956 Summer Games the second Olympics not to be held entirely in one country. Given the low number of participants in the equestrian events—158 in total—Stockholm medals remain rare and highly sought-after.
17. Rome 1960 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Rome 1960 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 55 mm, 78 gm, by Emilio Greco. The front features a nude female torchbearer superimposed over Olympic rings; the reverse bears a convocation of eagles soaring high above the Olympic stadium, with raised Italian text encircling the edge.
18. Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics Copper Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics. Copper, 61 mm, 118 gm, by Taro Okamoto/Kazumitsu Tanaka. The front features a stylized design of three runners and a swimmer placed on an olive branch; the reverse bears the Olympic rings and raised Japanese and English text, "XVIII Olympiad, Tokyo 1964."
19. Mexico City 1968 Summer Olympics Copper Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Mexico City 1968 Summer Olympics. Copper, 50 mm x 50 mm, 116 gm, by Lance Wyman. The front depicts various Olympic sport pictograms and the Mexico City Games emblem; the reverse is engraved between two parallel lines, “Juegos de la XIX Olimpiada.”
20. Munich 1972 Summer Olympics Steel Participation Medal (with case)
Participation medal issued for the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics. Steel, 49 mm, 144 gm, by Fritz Konig. The front depicts the Munich Games emblem over two lines, “XX. Olympiade, Munchen 1972”; the reverse shows Olympic rings over two hands, one holding an olive branch. Complete with its original case.
21. Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics Copper Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics. Copper, 45 mm, 40 gm, by G. Huel/P. Pelletier. The front features the Montreal Olympic stadium above two lines of raised text, "XXle Olympiade, Montreal 1976"; the reverse bears the Montreal Games logo.
22. Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics Tombac Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics. Tombac, 60 mm, 125 gm, by Angelina Leonova. The front features the Moscow Games emblem above the Olympic stadium and raised Cyrillic lettering; the reverse bears a detailed view of the Red Square in Moscow.
23. Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
Participation medal issued for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 60 mm, 94 gm, by Dugald Stermer. The front depicts the Olympic torch with raised text, “Citius Altius Fortius, XXIII Olympiad”; the reverse features the Los Angeles Games emblem over Olympic rings and laurel branches. Includes the original blue presentation box and velvet case.
24. Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 60 mm, 115 gm, by Kim Kwang-hyun. The front depicts Namdaemun, one of the gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, with mountains, clouds, cranes, and the sun; the reverse bears the Seoul Games emblem and reads "XXIV Olympiad, Seoul 1988."
25. Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics Burnished Copper Participation Medal (with pouch)
Participation medal issued for the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. Burnished copper, 70 mm, 254 gm. The front is engraved "XXV Olimpiada Barcelona 1992," with the Games logo of a stylized man leaping over the Olympic rings; the reverse bears an engraved spiral and elongated lightning bolt. Complete with its dark red pouch.
26. Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal (with box)
Participation medal issued for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. Bronze, 60 mm, 60 gm, by Malcolm Grear Designers. The front features the Atlanta Games emblem under raised text, "Games of the XXVI Olympiad"; the reverse bears a quilt of leaves and the raised text, "Centennial Olympic Games." Complete with its original velvet pouch and green box.
27. Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics Silvered Participation Medal (with box)
Participation medal issued for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. Silver-colored, 50 mm, 69 gm. The front depicts the Sydney Olympic emblem surrounded by the 'fluid energy' motif used for the Games; the reverse bears the Olympic rings and reads, “The Games of the XXVII Olympiad,” surrounded by the same motif. Complete with its original box, case, and stand.
28. Athens 2004 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 50 mm, 61 gm, minted by Efsimon. The front features Greek lettering and waves of the Aegean sea on either side of the Athens Games emblem; the reverse bears raised text between a similar design as the front, “Games of the XXVIII Olympiad, 13-29 August 2004.”
29. Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics Bronze Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Bronze, 55 mm, 122 gm. The front features the Beijing Games logo over the Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium, with raised Chinese and English text along the top; the reverse bears five Fuwa mascots over gusts of wind and engraved Chinese and English text, “One World One Dream.”
30. London 2012 Summer Olympics Cupronickel Participation Medal
Participation medal issued for the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Cupronickel, 38 mm, 42 gm, designed by Gordon Summers. The front features the London 2012 logo; the reverse bears the Olympic rings with engraved text along the top, “The Games of the XXX Olympiad London 2012.”
31. Rio 2016 Summer Olympics Alloy Copper Participation Medal (with box)
Participation medal issued for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Alloy copper, 44 mm x 53 mm, 89 gm. The front features the Rio Games logo above Olympic rings; the reverse bears flowing designs above three rows of raised text, “XXXI Olympiad Rio 2016.” Includes its presentation folder with slipcase.
