ULTRA RARE 1906 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL
For sale is an exceptionally rare and valuable gold medal from the 1906 Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece. This historic piece, complete with its original case, is a unique addition to any collection of Olympic memorabilia or rare medals.
SPECIFICATIONS
The 1906 Olympic gold medal was indeed designed by Jules Chaplain, a renowned French medallist. Jules Chaplain also designed the first Olympic medal for the 1896 Athens Games. His expertise and artistry in medal design were highly regarded, making him a prominent figure in the field of numismatics during that period.
Designer: Jules-Clément Chaplain (1839-1909). Chaplain was a distinguished medallist and sculptor, well known for his detailed and articistic medal designs. He served as the official medaliist of the French Republic. He designed medals for both the 1896 and 1906 Olympic Games.
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Mint: The 1906 Olympic medals were minted by Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint). Monnaie de Paris is one of the oldest and most prestigious mints in the world, responsible for minting French currency and various commemorative medals. It was chosen to mint the 1906 Olympic medals due to its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship.
Material: Gilt silver (not pure gold)
Weight: 63.5 grams
Diameter: 50 mm
Design:
Obverse: Features the laureated head of Zeus Olympios holding Nike (the goddess of victory) on a globe.
Reverse: Depicts the Acropolis and Parthenon with the Olympic legend.
PROVENANCE
- A similar 1906 Olympic gold medal recently sold on June 2024 for $32,145 USD (w/BP) at Kunker Auction. Note that the recently sold medal did not include the original case, making this listing even more valuable and unique.
- An almost identical design to the 1896 winners medal sold at auction in 2021 for $180,111 USD (w/BP).
- Comes with the original case, enhancing its value and authenticity.
- Comes with Auction Certificate from RR Auction (World renowned leaders in Sports Memoralbilia.
Rarity:
- With only 78 made, owning this medal is a chance to possess a piece of Olympic history that few can claim. Given the passage of 116 years, it is estimated that only approximately 40 of these medals may still exist with many in public museums. Of the approximate 40 medals it is also estimated that approximately 10 would have their original cases adding to its rarity and value.
Complete Set: - The inclusion of the original case adds significant value and appeal to collectors, making this an unparalleled find.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Reasons for the 1906 Intercalated Games:- The 1906 Games were held as a special event to revive and sustain interest in the Olympics during the early years of the modern Olympic movement. Several factors contributed to this decision:
- The Games were intended to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896 in Athens.
- The Games featured approximately 854 athletes from 20 different countries.
- The 1900 Paris and 1904 St. Louis Olympics faced organizational issues and were overshadowed by World’s Fairs, leading to a decline in the event’s prominence and public interest.
- Greece wanted to continue hosting the Games regularly to honor the ancient Olympic tradition. The Greek government and the Hellenic Olympic Committee proposed holding intermediate games in Athens.
- Despite some opposition, the IOC, led by Pierre de Coubertin, recognized the importance of maintaining momentum for the Olympic movement and supported the idea of the Intercalated Games.
- These Games played a crucial role in reviving the Olympic spirit and traditions, setting a precedent for better organization and increased participation in subsequent official Olympic Games, despite their later exclusion from official records.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a significant piece of Olympic history. Perfect for serious collectors, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking to invest in rare and valuable memorabilia.
For more information please contact me anytime. You can also contact me prior to buying or putting in an offer to see if we can arrange a discount.