Collecting Olympic Medals & Diplomas

courtesy of Ingrid O'Neil Auctions

When athletes and officials attend the Games they are traditionally provided with a medal commemorating their participation in the Games. These are known as "participation medals" among collectors. Beautifully designed, they are popular with collectors. Some have become quite scarce and expensive.

And, of course, when a competitor is a medalist, he or she receives a Winner's Medal. Sometimes coaches and Games officials are also given these medals. When winners receive their medals, they have also traditionally been presented with confirming certificates known as Diplomas.

While Winner's Medals and Diplomas are understandably very scarce, they do occasionally become available to collectors. Naturally, these beautiful and historically significant pieces are the most prized of all Olympic memorabilia.