Olympic medal from first modern Games up for auction
Popular Science
by Laura BaisasFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics may have concluded, but enthusiasts can still get a piece of Olympic history by bidding on rare medals from past Games. Among the items up for auction in Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ February 2026 Collectors Choice Online Auction are medals over a century old, including one from the first modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896. This marks a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Olympic legacy, with each medal carrying its own historical significance.
The first modern Olympics took place in Athens in 1896, featuring athletes from 14 countries. James Connolly of the United States made history as the first American athlete to win an Olympic event, taking gold in the triple jump while also finishing second in the high jump and third in the long jump. The Games were also notable for introducing medal ceremonies as we know them today, with winners standing on a podium and their country’s flag raised—a tradition that began at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
The auction highlights medals from various editions of the Olympics, including the 1904 St. Louis Games, which introduced gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third place. A notable moment from these Games was the cheating scandal involving Fred Lorz, who was disqualified after being caught traveling part of the marathon route by car. Another key highlight is the rare bronze medal from the 1924 Chamonix Winter Olympics, the first official Winter Games, where Canada dominated in hockey, scoring 122 goals without surrendering any.
The collection also includes medals from the chaotic Lake Placid 1932 Winter Games, known for introducing women’s speed skating and a controversial group race format. These medals offer a glimpse into the evolution of Olympic competition and the stories behind some of its most iconic moments. For science and tech enthusiasts, these medals represent more than just sports history—they are tangible connections to advancements in athletic performance, competition rules, and the global development of sport over the past century.
For collectors and history buffs alike, this auction offers a chance to own a rare piece of Olympic lore. The medals up for sale provide insights into pivotal moments
Verticals
sciencetech
Originally published on Popular Science on 2/23/2026