A historic Olympic gold medal from the 1904 St. Louis Games has sold for an impressive $545,000 at auction, marking a significant event in sports memorabilia.
The medal, awarded to American athlete Fred Schule, is notable as it was one of the first gold medals ever given at the Olympics. The auction included not just the medal, but also its ribbon and a leather case, adding to its appeal for collectors.
In the 1904 Olympics, gold medals were awarded for the first time, with American athletes winning 78 out of 96 medals available. The rarity of these medals is underscored by the fact that many have been lost or are held in private collections and museums.
Olympic expert Bobby Eaton noted, "No one knows exactly how many medals from the 1904 Games still exist," emphasizing their extreme rarity. The auction's high bid reflects the growing interest in Olympic history and collectibles.