Olympic prize

[Figleaf]

This very nice medal turned up, somewhat mysteriously, in my mailbox.

It approaches the classical theme of a seated Zeus, holding Victory in his hand in an original way. Victory's see-through dress is creative, but it works. ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑ is of course the town where the games were held in antiquity. The other side shows a modern view of the Athenian Parthenon with the text ΔΙΕΘΝΕΙΣ ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΟΙ ΑΓΩΝΕΣ (international Olympic games) and in the exergue ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ (in Athens) 1896. To the right, above the exergue is a monogram that looks like GG, CG or GC.

The edge is smooth, weight is a hefty 51.2 grams and diameter 50.2 mm. Metal is non-magnetic, possibly brass.

[chrisild]

Seems to be a modern (and slightly modernized) copy of the original 1896 winner's medal. See here:

1896 Olympic Games
Winner's Medal

And if there is a "G" in the artist's signature, the piece will probably not be from Greece. They would, again probably, use the Γ instead ...

Christian

[Figleaf]

Thank you, chrisild. That makes it even better!

Peter

[eurocoin]

I think it is more likely that the G is a maker's mark or some sort of hallmark indicating it is possibly gold plated.

[Figleaf]

Nice thought, but no, I don't think so. For a hallmark, I would expect some number to indicate fineness. A brand or factory mark? Yes. Since it has turned out to be an imitation, the artist's initials is an unlikely solution.

Peter

[Bimat]

I can confirm that the medal (or rather its imitation) is made of brass.

I have a French €100 coin weighing 50 grams and I know how it feels like to hold that heavy thing!

Aditya