Offered here is a gilt bronze participation medal from the inaugural 1896 Athens Summer Olympics. Comprised of bronze and plated in gold, these rare medals were issued only to important dignitaries and high-ranking Olympic officials. Its superb design is identical to the silvered bronze participation medals presented to lesser dignitaries and the solid bronze versions awarded to athletes competing in these first modern Games of the I Olympiad. Only a few hundred gilt bronze medals were struck, making it by far the scarcest among the three versions.

Designed by N. Lytras and minted by W. Pittner (Austria), it weighs 60 grams and measures 50 mm in diameter and 3.5 mm thick. The obverse depicts a seated Nike, Goddess of Victory, holding a laurel wreath over the Phoenix (immortal bird in Greek mythology) and emerging from flames with Acropolis in the background. The reverse has the 1896 Athens Olympic legend in Greek surrounded by a laurel wreath. The Immolation of the Phoenix and emergence from the ashes symbolize the rebirth of the Olympic Games after a hiatus of more than 1,500 years. This medal remains in VF condition, free of any oxidation with some dings along the rim from nearly 130 years of existence. The gilt appears lightly faded, albeit consistent throughout for terrific eye appeal.