In our 2026 Spring Premier Auction, for the first time in company history, we sold a gold winner’s medal from the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics for $28,800. Now, we have another one to offer – funny how that happens – and it comes in much better condition with the ornate chain and presentation box perfectly intact. What's more? This was the first-place gold medal awarded to American pole vaulter, Don “Tarzan” Bragg, who dominated the event from 1954 to 1960. As a bonus, Bragg’s athlete participant’s badge from the 1960 Rome Games is also included. These historically significant items come directly from his estate.

After setting the world indoor record with a vault of 15’ 9½” (4.81 meters) in February 1959, the former 1955 NCAA champion from Villanova won gold at the 1959 Pan American Games that September. Then, at the 1960 USA Olympic Trials, Bragg vaulted 15’ 9¼” (4.80 meters) to set the world outdoor record. In Rome, Bragg matched his record at the trials with another 4.80-meter leap to win gold over fellow American Ron Morris (silver) and Eeles Landström of Finland (bronze).

At 6' 3" and 197 pounds, Don Bragg was extremely large for a pole vaulter in that era. He was also one of the last great ones to use an aluminum pole, which limited him to a strict 1,200-calorie diet to keep him from snapping it. Known for his charisma and Hollywood looks, Bragg aspired to play Tarzan in the movies; hence, the nickname. As he received this offered gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, he gave a memorable Tarzan yell from the podium that brough jeers from the crowd. Even the man who starred in the original Tarzan the Ape Man in 1932 – fellow American gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller – thought Bragg would be perfect for it, but Don was too injured when offered the role and missed his chance.

The unique presentation of Rome winners’ medals was unlike anything seen before or since, with an elegant chain and wreath bezel giving it a truly Italian artistic touch. The medal itself is made of gilt silver with gold plating. Designed by Giuseppe Cassioli, the front features a victorious athlete carried by a jubilant crowd. The reverse depicts a seated Nike [Goddess of Victory] with the Colosseum in the background and "Giochi Della XVII Olimpiade Roma MCMLX” in raised lettering. The medal is set within a cast bronze olive leaf wreath bezel, which is engraved “ATLETICA" (Athletics, Track & Field) on the bottom.

The medal and wreath are suspended from a long ornate chain with each link depicting an olive tree leaf. The medal has a diameter of 69 mm and weighs approximately 100 grams (nearly 200 g including the chain). The medal itself and wreath bezel around it are both exceptionally well-preserved. Most winners’ medals develop scrapes, dings and other surface blemishes over time, but not this one. It remains in extremely fine condition with no visible fading of the shiny gold plating. All twenty original leaf links are present and perfectly attached, making it wearable if one is so inclined (although we do not advise). From our research, this is the best conditioned 1960 Rome winner’s medal exemplar of any kind – gold, silver, or bronze – to surface. Fresh to the hobby, it comes housed in its original red presentation case (NM) – these came in either red, white or green – made by the Artistici Fiorentini of Firenze with all latches in fine working condition.

Don Bragg’s 1960 Rome Olympics athlete participation badge (38 mm in diameter, 48 mm vertical, 25 grams) remains in EX-NM shape with some green oxidation on both sides. The red enameled “ATHLETA” section is flawless, and the lapel pin backing comes in functioning, as-issued condition.

Don Bragg passes away at the age of 88. His 1960 Rome Olympic gold medal and participant’s badge were acquired directly from the Bragg estate. The winning bidder will receive a letter of provenance from his widow.