Olympic medals are a symbol of supreme athletic achievement and honor. Each Games brings unique medals that reflect the culture and spirit of the host. Since 1896, when the first modern Olympic Games were held, the design of the medals has gone through numerous transformations, reflecting changes in art, politics, and technology. Traditionally, gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded for first, second, and third place in each competition.
XVI Olympic Games – Melbourne, 1956.
The Summer XVI Olympic Games were held in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia, and were the first Games awarded to a city in the Southern Hemisphere. Despite challenges related to weather and logistical issues, Melbourne hosted successful Games that overcame the initial doubts of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members. This was a historic edition of the Games, not only because of the geographical location but also because of the international context, including the Cold War and the Suez Crisis, which led to the boycott of several countries.
At these Olympic Games, 3,314 athletes from 72 countries participated, competing in 17 sports and 23 disciplines. Among them were Croatian athletes as part of the Olympic team of the then FPR Yugoslavia. With its 35 athletes, Yugoslavia actually achieved good success – winning three silver medals. One of those medals is presented in this article.
Cassiolijev „Trijumf“
Gold, silver, and bronze medals won by athletes at the Olympic Games in Melbourne belong to the „Triumph“ (Trionfo) series of medals designed by the Italian sculptor and medallist Giuseppe Cassioli. This type of medal was first awarded at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam and remained in use until the 1960s.
Depicting the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria, or the Greek Nike, alongside an Olympic victor, Cassioli managed to create an atemporal symbol of the Olympic spirit in his work that long resisted change. Although his „Triumph“ is no longer in use as an Olympic medal, it still remains a significant work symbolizing the universal values of sport, achievement, and international friendship, making those medals an invaluable part of Olympic history.
Olympic silver medal
The silver medal given to second-place athletes at the Melbourne Olympic Games belongs to the „Triumph“ medal type and, in its artistic design, is practically identical to the medals in use since 1928.
This medal is made of silver; it has a mass of 70 grams; it is round in shape and has a diameter of 51 mm. The rotation of this medal is, of course, German or medallic. This means that when the medal is rotated along the vertical axis, the obverse and reverse are in an upright position. The edge of the medal is smooth.
The silver medal, like the other medals, was manufactured by K. G. Luke Ltd. of Melbourne, Australia.
On the face of the medal is a depiction of the Roman goddess of victory, Victoria, or the Greek Nike, in a sitting position; in her left hand she holds a palm branch, and in her right a laurel wreath. To the left of the goddess is an amphora, and to the right are the outlines of the Roman Colosseum.
Above the Colosseum is an inscription: „XVI TH / OLYMPIAD / MELBOURNE / 1956“.
At the bottom of the medal is the mint mark: „K.G. LUKE LTD.“.
On the reverse of the medal is an image of the Olympic champion, depicted as a male figure being carried on the shoulders of other figures. The winner's right arm is raised, and in his left hand is a palm branch. In the background, the outlines of the Olympic stadium are faintly visible.
By the way, the gold and bronze medals have an identical design to the silver one. The gold medal is essentially not made of gold, but of gold-plated silver and is 1 mm smaller. The bronze medal is made of bronze and has the same diameter as the silver one.
Today's Olympic medals are worn around the neck on a ribbon. However, older types of medals were not worn and were awarded in boxes. Thus, this medal also came in white plastic boxes. The box features a glossy dark red sticker with silver Olympic rings and the inscription: „XVI TH OLYMPIAD / MELBOURNE / 1956“. The medal itself is placed inside the box on a dark-colored fabric. On the inside of the box lid, there is a silk fabric with the manufacturer's name printed in gold foil: „K.G. Luke (Aust.) Ltd. / MEDALLISTS / MELBOURNE“.
Participation medal
In addition to medals for sports achievements; gold, silver and bronze; participation medals were awarded to all athletes who participated in the Olympic Games.
These medals are made of bronze and are the work of the Hungarian-Jewish sculptor Andor Meszaros. The medals are round, 63 mm in diameter, weighing 105 g, and were produced by the K.G. Luke Ltd. mint. The obverse of the medal depicts the coat of arms of the city of Melbourne incorporating the Olympic rings. The reverse depicts moving male figures, one of whom is holding the Olympic flag.
Image gallery
Author: Zlatko Viščević
Photos: Numex – Coins, Banknotes & Militaria Store [www.numex.hr]
