Lot 564: French Bronze Argente 1900 Exposition Universelle

French Bronze Argente 1900 Exposition Universelle and Second Olympics Medal, by Frederic-Charles-Victor de Vernon (1858-1912), the obverse with Nike over Paris and the legend "Republique Francaise/Exposition Universelle/Paris 1900", the reverse with a victorious athlete and the inset die legend "Exercice, Physiques et sports", h. 60 mm x 42 mm, touchmarked on the edge with the "cornucopia" medal mark in use from 1880. Note: This medal was a participation medal in the gymnastic and field events of the 2nd Olympic Games, held concurrently with the 1900 Paris Exposition. These games were so overshadowed by the exposition that many athletes were themselves unaware that they had participated in the Olympics.