The tragic slaying of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Games cast a dark shadow over what should have been remembered solely as one of the most thrilling Summer Olympics in history. From American Mark Spitz's seven golds in the pool and USA's controversial loss to Russia in the men's hoops final, to Russian gymnast Olga Korbut and Finnish distance runner Lasse Viren's inspirational comebacks, it was a roller coaster for many teams and athletes alike. Presented here is a stunning gold winner's medal (unawarded) from the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics.

Made of gilt silver with gold plating, it measures 66 mm in diameter and weighs 160 grams (loop included but no gold chain). Designed by Gerhard Marcks and struck by the Bavarian Mint, the obverse has “XX. Olympiade Munchen 1972” with Nike, goddess of victory, seated before the Colosseum. The reverse depicts mythological twins Castor and Pollux, the patrons of competitive sport and friendship, with the artist's monogram below. This was the first winner's medal since 1928 to feature a new design on the reverse, replacing the traditional rendition of a victorious athlete carried by a jubilant crowd. The bottom edge is blank unlike a winner's medal awarded to an athlete (which would have the event and athlete's name engraved). Aside from light scratches on the surface, this gorgeous medal appears in EF condition with the plating still a shiny gold spectacle to behold.