Home / Sports / 1896 Olympic Medal Sells for 4x Estimate
1896 Olympic Medal Sells for 4x Estimate
2 Mar
Summary
- Silver medal from 1896 Athens Olympics sold for DKK 1,152,000.
- The price was about four times the auction's high estimate.
- The medal features Zeus holding Nike and the Acropolis on reverse.
A silver medal from the inaugural modern Olympic Games, held in Athens in 1896, recently achieved a remarkable sale price at Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers. The historic artifact hammered down for DKK 1,152,000, significantly exceeding its pre-auction estimate of DKK 200,000-300,000. This result means the medal sold for approximately four times its expected high value.
The medal's design is notable, featuring artist Jules-Clement Chaplain's work. The obverse depicts Zeus holding a globe topped by Nike, the Goddess of Victory, while the reverse displays the Acropolis and Parthenon. An inscription translates to 'International Olympic Games - Athens 1896,' cementing its historical significance.
The 1896 Athens Games marked the revival of the Olympics, bringing together 241 athletes from 14 countries. While Denmark was among the participating nations, the auction house could not confirm if the sold medal was specifically awarded to Viggo Jensen, Denmark's first Olympic weightlifting champion. This sale underscores the immense historical and monetary value attached to early Olympic memorabilia.
