Περιγραφή
Χρυσό (επίχρυσο) μετάλλιο 1896 Ολυμπιακών αγώνων Αθήνας ακυκλοφόρητο
1896 first international modern Olympics participation medal. Peter chase 759. Medal distributed at the Olympics to participants and as souvenirs. Forrer records that Pittner produced 25,000 medals in 23 days.
Obv. Central effigy of a seated Athena, holding skipper and extending a laurel wreath over a phoenix rising from flames. Acropolis and Parthenon at the peak in the background . The immolation of the Phoenix and re-emergence from its ashes symbolizes the re-birth of the Olympic Games after a hiatus of more than 1500 years. The first games were held in 776 BC and lasted until about 393 AD. Encompassing a span of 1169 years.
Obv legend : ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΙ ΑΓΩΝΕΣ 776 ΠΧ 1896 Olympics games 776-1896) on right ΑΘΗΝΑΙ below. Rev. Inscription in 5 lines within a laurel wreath. Reverse legend : ΔΙΕΘΝΕΙΣ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΙ ΑΓΩΝΕΣ ΑΘΗΝΗΣΙ 1896.
Engraver: Nikephoros Lytras (Ν. ΛΥΤΡΑΣ WP at 4 o’clock on observe and struck by Wilhelm Pittner, Vienna (W.Pittner WIEN at bottom of reverse)
Metal : bronze (bronze gilt)
Diameter : 50mm