Participation medal issued for the Athens 1896 Olympics. Gilt Bronze, 50 mm, 58 gm, by W. Pittner, Austria. The front features a seated Nike holding a laurel wreath over a phoenix emerging from flames, with Acropolis in the background; the reverse bears a star surmounted above five lines of Greek legend set within a laurel wreath. Accompanied by a vintage presentation medal case. The immolation of the phoenix and emergence from the ashes symbolizes the rebirth of the Olympic Games after a hiatus of more than 1,500 years. An uncommon and desirable medal given the sheer historical significance of the Olympiad and how so few examples were ultimately struck—these commemoration medals were presented to dignitaries and high-ranking officials.
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