Collectors now have the opportunity to bid on historic Olympic medals, including one from the first modern Games, according to popsci.com. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is offering several pieces from the Richard Jewell Collection in its February 2026 Collectors Choice Online Auction of Ancient & World Coins, with live bidding beginning at 9:00 a.m. PST on February 27.
1896 Athens Gold Medal
Awarded at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, this gold medal features Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, with the Parthenon in the background. The 1896 Games brought together athletes from 14 nations and marked the revival of the ancient Olympic tradition.
1904 St. Louis Bronze Medal
From the first Olympics to award gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third place, this medal recalls a Games remembered for its marathon scandal. American runner Fred Lorz was disqualified after traveling part of the race by car, leaving Thomas Hicks as the official champion.
1924 Chamonix Winter Games Bronze
Struck for the inaugural Winter Olympics in France, this medal represents the debut of winter sports on the Olympic stage, including figure skating, ski jumping, and ice hockey.
1932 Lake Placid Winter Bronze
Issued during the Games that introduced women’s speed skating, this medal also reflects the only time a mass-start racing format was used in Olympic speed skating competition.
1932 Los Angeles Summer Medal
This medal comes from the first Olympics to feature a winners’ podium and national flag ceremonies, as well as an Olympic Village for male athletes.
1956 Cortina Winter Medal
Awarded at the Cortina Winter Games, this medal marks the Soviet Union’s Olympic debut, where it topped the medal standings and signaled a new era of competition.
Source: popsci.com.
