1904 Olympic Gold Medal Sells for $545,371 in Boston

A gold medal from the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, awarded to American hurdler Fred Schule, was sold at auction for $545,371, highlighting its significance as a rare artifact from the first Olympics held in the U.S. This medal, the only privately-owned one from a sanctioned event of the 1904 Games, was noted for its pristine condition and historical importance, attracting considerable interest from collectors. The auction took place amidst a collection of Olympic memorabilia, showcasing the enduring appeal of such artifacts. During the 1904 Games, the U.S. dominated the competition, winning 78 of 96 events, while the event itself was marked by notable controversies and peculiarities. The medal's sale underscores the rarity of such items, with many from that era lost or secured in private collections.