Rare plaque issued for the Paris 1900 Olympics, taking the same form as the winner's medals. Silver, 42 mm x 60 mm, 55 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 a Games commissioner as the recipient, "Exercices Physiques et Sports Commission Supérieure [Physical Exercises and Sports Higher Commission]," and depicts a victorious athlete upon a podium with a stadium and the Acropolis in the background. Stamped "Argent" on the edge. Housed in its rare original hinged case, gilt-stamped "Exposition Universelle, 1900" on the lid. A rare and beautiful piece from the Games, especially in its official case.
