Mid Summer Classic Auction 2016
Tue, Mar 8, 2016 04:00PM EST - Sat, Aug 20, 2016 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 1157
1956 CORTINA D'AMPEZZO WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES 3RD PLACE WINNER'S BRONZE MEDAL
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $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 |
The 1956 Winter Games officially the VII Winter Olympiad were held in Cortina D'Ampezzo in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy. These were the first Winter Olympics televised to a multi-national audience. There were 32 competing countries making it the largest number of participating nations in a Winter Games to that point. A total of 819 athletes competed in 24 events across 4 sports. The Soviet Union made its Winter Olympics debut and won more medals than any nation. Presented here is an impressive 3rd place winner's bronze medal. It is made of pure bronze measuring 60mm in diameter and 3.7mm thick and weighing 118 grams. It was designed by Constantino Affer and minted by Lorioli Bros. Ltd. (Milan Italy). The obverse reads "VII GIOCHI OLIMPICI INVERNALI" ("Winter Olympic Games") in raised lettering and features an idolized head of a woman with the Olympic rings over her head and a flaming torch at her left. The reverse has the Olympic motto "CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS" (Latin for "Faster Higher Stronger") above and "CORTINA 1956" below with a large ice crystal over Mt. Pomagagnon in the middle. Although it appears to be heavily worn and aged the medal comes in its original color. A green pigment-like substance (perhaps verdigris) has naturally formed on the metal from aging more prevalent around the raised lettering and sculpted designs. Overall it remains in Near Mint condition with few nicks and scratches. Although the recipient and event are unknown (no 1956 Winter Olympic medals provided this info) the medal survives as an extraordinary Olympic artifact rarely made available to the collecting public.
Includes a Letter of Authenticity from renowned Olympic memorabilia expert Ingrid O'Neil.
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