SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

2024 Fall Premier

Wed, Nov 6, 2024 01:00PM EST - Sat, Nov 23, 2024 10:30PM EST
  • Olympics
  • Rings, Medals, Awards & Trophies
Lot 514

1900 Paris Olympics (Exposition Games) Bronze "Chaplain" Award Medal

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Price Bid Increment
$200 $25
$500 $50
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$5,000 $500
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$20,000 $2,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000
$1,500,000 $150,000

Known as "Chaplain” medals in honor of designer J.C. Chaplain, these have long been collected as proxy participation medals; however, no participation medals were issued for the 1900 Paris Exposition/Olympic Games. A total of five variations of Chaplain medals were issued by the Universal Exposition Committee as a general award, with most recipients being individual members of firms or institutions. This is the more common Bronze version. Silvered Bronze and Gilt Bronze are much scarcer. Two other versions—Solid Silver and Gilt Silver “Vermeil”—are so rare that some Olympic collectors wonder if they even exist.

 

The medal weighs 98 grams with a diameter of 63 mm and a thickness of 3.5 mm. The obverse features NIke, winged goddess of Victory, supporting an athlete who holds a torch to the sky. "Exposition Universelle Internationale" surrounds the rim, with "1900" on the right. Below is the recipient's name, "De Aninat" on a soldered plaque. On the reverse are the words "Republique Franciase" around an image of Marianne (national symbol of the French Republic) and the Paris skyline. The bottom edge of the medal is stamped with the cornucopia symbol of the French Mint and "Bronze.” A very nice example with ideal color and texture, it presents in VF condition with just a couple tiny green oxidation spots.

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