120-Year-Old Olympic Gold Medal Fetches Half a Million Dollars at Auction
A piece of Olympic history just made waves in the auction world as a gold medal from the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, the first to be held on US soil, was sold for an impressive $545,371 in Boston. This medal, earned by American athlete Fred Schule in the 110-meter hurdles, had been treasured within his family for over a century before finding a new home among Olympic memorabilia enthusiasts.
The 1904 Olympics marked a significant milestone as the inaugural Games hosted in the United States. The event saw American athletes shine, securing a remarkable 78 out of the 96 gold medals awarded. This dominance was particularly noteworthy considering the era's travel challenges. With limited air travel available in 1904, athletes had to endure grueling trans-Atlantic voyages followed by extensive train journeys from the east coast to St. Louis, where the Games were held.
🏅 Sold! A rare 1904 Olympic Gold Medal fetched $545,371 @RRAuction —an equivalent for collectors to a Button Gwinnett signature or a Honus Wagner card!
— RR Auction (@RRAuction) January 17, 2025
🔗Results: https://t.co/CkNdRUtH9P#Olympics #Auction #RRauction #Consign pic.twitter.com/jVQATVL66l
Imagine the dedication and resilience required to compete in such circumstances. Athletes of that time truly embodied the Olympic spirit, overcoming arduous travel conditions to showcase their talents on the world stage. It's a testament to their unwavering commitment to sport and competition.
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