This 1972 Munich Summer Games bronze medal is approximately 66 mm in diameter, 4.2 mm in thickness, and weighs approximately 140 grams. The medal’s edge is engraved with the winner’s name and sport and comes with its original bronze-plated chain and presentation case. The winners medal was minted by the Bavarian mint in Munich and was designed by Gerhard Marcks. One side of the medal features Victory seated above a stadium, with “XX Olympiade Munchen 1972,” in raised letters, with the reverse showing Roman twins Castor and Pollux, patrons of competitive sport and friendship, with the artist’s initials below them. In extra fine condition.
This winners award was presented to Lajos Papp of Hungary for the Free Rifle (three positions) event. He competed in three consecutive Games from 1968–1976, with this medal being the only one he was awarded for placing third in the Mixed Free Rifle, Three Positions, 300 meter event. This was the final time that free rifle was contested at the Olympics. These Olympics were also the first time that chains replaced the usual ribbon which, some thought, too easily became wrinkled and soiled. For reasons unknown, 1972 Munich winners medals have long been one of the most challenging for advanced collectors to obtain.
