Rare demonstration medal issued for the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics. Silver, 69 mm, 236 gm. The front depicts the Albertville Games emblem encircled with French and English text, “XVI Olympic Winter Games 8-23 February 92, XVI Jeux Olympiques D’hiver 8-23 Fevrier 92”; the reverse depicts the official emblem against a mountainous backdrop, again encircled with French and English text, “XVI Olympic Winter Games, XVI Jeux Olympiques D’hiver.” Includes the original ribbon. Aimed to promote sports to a larger international audience, demonstration sports were a long held tradition at both Summer and Winter Games since 1900 and 1928, respectively. The 1992 Games of Barcelona and Albertville marked the final times demonstration sports were to be played, with the Winter Olympiad showcasing three events for both men and women—curling, speed skiing, and freestyle skiing (aerials and ski ballet); both aerial skiing and curling have since become official Olympic events. An exceedingly scarce and desirable silver medal.
