BOSTON — A gold medal from the very first Olympics held on American soil has been auctioned for an impressive sum, exceeding $545,000, as part of an extensive collection of memorabilia from various Olympic Games, according to a recent announcement.
The medal, awarded during the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, was sold for $545,371. It features the engraving “Olympiad, 1904,” depicting a triumphant athlete adorned with a wreath on one side, while the reverse showcases the goddess Nike alongside Zeus, with the event details for the 110-meter hurdles. This specific medal, which was presented to American athlete Fred Schule, comes with its original ribbon and leather case.
These 1904 Olympic Games marked the first time that gold medals were awarded, and American athletes excelled, securing victories in 78 out of 96 events. In contrast to today’s Olympic medals, which are mostly silver with a thin gold coating, these early medals were entirely made of gold but were smaller in size.
Bobby Eaton, an expert in Olympic collectibles at RR Auction in Boston, highlighted how rare it is for a medal of this nature to be available for auction, emphasizing that this particular piece originated from Schule’s family collection. “The exact number of 1904 Olympic gold medals still in existence is unclear,” Eaton remarked. “However, it’s known that they are extremely scarce. Approximately 100 gold medals were presented during the St. Louis Games, with many having either vanished over time or are now housed in private collections and museums.”
The 1904 Games were not only notable for the gold medals but also for the numerous controversies and peculiarities surrounding the event. Initially, the Olympics were set to take place in Chicago, but organizers of the St. Louis World’s Fair were concerned about competing for attendance and raised objections. There were threats to organize alternative athletic events, which prompted Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, to shift the Games 300 miles south to St. Louis, effectively settling the dispute.
Another incident that sparked drama was the marathon, which seemed to be won by Fred Lorz until it was revealed that he had taken a ride in a car during part of the race. Additionally, the organizers introduced “Anthropology Days,” unceremoniously selecting members of indigenous tribes present for the World’s Fair to compete in events without prior notice.
The 1904 Olympics also introduced boxing and freestyle wrestling to the Games, sports that have remained a staple of the Summer Olympics, while also showcasing now-obscure events like croquet and tug-of-war.
“These medals represent more than just athletic achievements; they encapsulate a crucial period in the evolution of the modern Olympics,” Eaton stated. “Having one in such outstanding condition is truly remarkable and represents a rare opportunity for collectors.”
The auction featured hundreds of Olympic items, including a bronze medal from the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics and gold medals from the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the 1998 Nagano Olympics, and the 2012 London Olympics.
Olympic memorabilia has historically commanded high prices at auctions. In 2022, a silver medal belonging to Luz Long, the German long jumper who developed a friendship with Jesse Owens during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, was auctioned for over $488,000. A silver medal from the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896 sold for $180,111 in 2021, while a gold medal from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver fetched $68,750 in 2019.
Moreover, athletes have donated their medals for philanthropic causes; for instance, two-time canoe champion Yuri Cheban from Ukraine auctioned off his two gold medals and a bronze in 2022, raising $109,451 to assist with the war effort. Additionally, swimmer Ryan Lochte sold his six Olympic silver and bronze medals in the same year, generating $166,779 for a charity supporting children, while retaining his gold awards.
Looking ahead, the next Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles in 2028, marking the city’s third time hosting the prestigious event, following its previous Games in 1932 and 1984.
