The 1972 Summer Olympics delivered a roller coaster of emotions for competitors and spectators alike. The thrill of Mark Spitz’s seven gold medals and Steve Genter’s inspirational swims were countered by the controversial ending of the Men’s Basketball Final and, of course, the Munich Massacre.

Featured here is a bronze winner’s medal awarded to a member of the Cuban men’s basketball team that took third place. In the men’s final, the USA faced USSR looking to win its seventh consecutive gold medal and stay undefeated all-time in Olympic play. The final three seconds were replayed three times under questionable rule interpretations, eventually leading to a heavily disputed 51-50 victory for the Soviets. Due to complaints of scandal and political corruption, USA members refused to accept their silver medals, which allegedly remain in the possession of the ’72 Munich OOC to this day.

The Cubans, to their credit, made an incredible run in the Olympic tournament, advancing out of Group A with just one loss (to USA) and making it all the way to the semifinals where they fell to the Soviet Union. In the bronze medal game, Cuba defeated Italy, 66-65. It remains the only medal ever won by Cuba in basketball.

Measuring 66 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick, this bronze winner’s medal weighs 132 grams (without the chain). The obverse reads "XX. Olympiade Munchen 1972" and depicts a seated Victory with the Colosseum in the background. The reverse portrays mythological twins Castor and Pollux, the patrons of competitive sport and friendship, with the artist's monogram below. The top edge is engraved with “Basketball” and "Herrera, Tomas" to denote the player. It was the first winner’s medal since 1928 with a different reverse layout and the first to bear a chain, although the chain and loop on this example have been removed. There is a small hole at the top edge where the loop used to be placed. The color and texture of this special piece of history display a warm and even patina. There are some scratch marks on the obverse below the German legend. Overall, it remains in VF condition.