Winner’s medal issued for the Athens 1896 Olympics. Bronze, 50 mm, 60 gm, by Jules Clement Chaplain. The front depicts a relief portrait of Zeus holding Nike, the goddess of Victory, in the palm of his hand, with text along left side, “Olympia”; the reverse bears a detailed view of the Acropolis of Athens topped by the Parthenon, with raised Greek characters to upper and lower portion (translated), “International Olympic Games in Athens, 1896.” Stamped “Bronze” on the edge. Complete with its original case lined in deep red velvet, exhibiting wear and scuffing to the exterior.
Winner's medals from the historic debut of the Olympic Games remain exceedingly rare, with just 150 bronze second-place prizes originally struck for the Games. Uncommonly found with the original case, this is an exceptional example of this coveted Olympic medal. Representing the debut of one of the most sought-after prizes in the realm of sport, it is a terrific specimen.
