This commemorative bronze medal from the 1896 Athens Olympic Games displays exquisite craftsmanship. There is the central image of an Olympian holding a staff in one hand and an olive laurel in the other. There is also the image of a bird, either a crane or an egret of some kind rising towards the central figure. The detail is incredible and demonstrates the high quality artistry that went into the production of these medals. The back has a simple olive laurel image surrounding several lines of Greek text and the year 1896. Only 20,000 were produced and how many have survived, which makes this one a wonderful collectible for those interested in Olympic memorabilia.