The Games of the IX Olympiad held in Amsterdam were the first to be officially called the “Summer” Olympics. Other firsts that have since become tradition included the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron, a 16-day event schedule, and the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremonies starting with Greece and ending with the host country—in this case, the Netherlands. Perhaps the most important first at the ’28 Games was the monumental step of adding Athletics (i.e. Track & Field) and Gymnastics to the women’s event table, sparking the largest increase in female competitors to date. A total of 46 nations competed at the ’28 Games encompassing 2,971 participants. In all, 254 gold medals, 258 silvers and 259 bronzes were minted.

Presented here is a lovely second place winner’s silver medal from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Made of high-quality gilt silver (the same internal composition as all 1st place gold medals after 1912), the medal is designed by renowned Italian sculptor Giuseppe Cassioli. It measures 55 mm in diameter, 3 mm thick, and weighs 66 grams. The obverse features Nike, Goddess of Victory, seated above the stadium holding a winner's crown and palm branch with "IX OLYMPIADE AMSTERDAM 1928" scripted on the right. The reverse shows a winner carried by jubilant athletes. “ARG” (abbreviation for “Argento”, the Italian word for silver) is hallmarked on the top edge. Very well-preserved in both color and texture, the medal maintains a warm patina with just a few scratches and no oxidation, presenting in overall VF/EF condition.