The ongoing Winter Olympic games offer much in the way of drama, competition, and sportsmanship, with athletes attempting to etch their names into sports history. The modern format with the Winter and Summer Olympics alternating every two years is relatively new, only implemented since 1994. Prior to this, the Summer and Winter games were held in the same calendar year.
In 1932 both the Summer and Winter games were held in the United States, the summer events in Los Angeles and the winter in Lake Placid. Opened by then New York Governor Franklin Roosevelt, the winter games ran February 4-15 and featured only 14 events. The United States led the medal count with 12, followed by Norway at 10. Lot 75497 in our February CCO sale offers a link to the games, with a participant’s plaque given to contestants for their efforts in the games. This piece features Victory on the obverse holding the Olympic torch while the reverse shows scenes of winter Olympic events. With about 75 of these plaques known, this example provides a rare chance at acquiring a piece of Olympic history.
We are always seeking world and ancient coins, medals, and paper money for our auctions, and are currently accepting consignments for our Spring 2022 Hong Kong auction and our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact a consignment director or email info@stacksbowers.com today and we will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
