Scarce winner’s medal issued for the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics. Gilt silver, 66 mm, 156 gm, by Gerhard Marcks. The front depicts the typical ‘Seated Victory’ with the Colosseum in the background; the reverse portrays the mythological twins Castor and Pollux, the patrons of competitive sport and friendship, with the artist’s monogram below. This medal was unawarded, as no athlete’s name or event is inscribed on the edge. Complete with the original gold-plated chain, which has been professionally reattached.
This was the first winner’s medal since 1928 to feature a new design on the reverse, replacing the traditional depiction of a victorious athlete carried by a jubilant crowd. A total of 364 gold medals were produced by Munich’s Bavarian Mint, while only 195 were ultimately awarded; a sufficient reserve was needed in case of a tie. Highly desirable in itself as an Olympic gold, this is also the very first Munich winner’s medal we have offered.
