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Lot #3088
Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics Silver Winner's Medal for Basketball

Silver basketball medal from the politically charged Moscow 1980 Summer Games

Estimate: $5000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins July 23 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By July 23 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 6/19/2026 04:58:02 PM EDT
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Description

Silver basketball medal from the politically charged Moscow 1980 Summer Games

Winner’s medal awarded for basketball at the Moscow 1980 Summer Olympics. Silver, 60 mm, 125 gm, by Ilya Postol, Moscow. The front, inscribed in Cyrillic, features a ‘Seated Victory’ with the Colosseum in the background, the reverse features the Moscow Olympic emblem and Olympic flame, and the bottom edge is engraved “БАСКЕТБОЛ,” which translates to 'Basketball.' Complete with its original multicolored ribbon and hinged case, which has a damaged hinge and latch, is chipped on the edge, retains old rubber band residue on top and bottom.

Basketball at the 1980 Moscow Olympics was shaped by the U.S.-led boycott, which kept the American teams out and weakened both tournaments. The men’s event ran from July 20–30, with Yugoslavia winning gold, Italy silver, and the Soviet Union bronze; in the women’s tournament, the Soviet Union won gold, followed by Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. The absence of the United States made the competition politically charged and historically unusual.


From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Olympics
  • Dates:
    Starts:
    06/19/2026
    Ends:
    07/23/2026