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| International Olympic Numismatic Federation |
Contact: Webmaster
Comité Internat. Olympique (CIO)
Avenue de l'Élysée 28
Lausanne, 1006 HV
Website
Collecting items commemorating the Olympic Games is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it started with the first Games of the modern era in 1896.
Olympic stamps, issued to balance the budget of the Organising Committee, were the first objects of Olympic collecting, and have been the passion of several generations of philatelists. Collectors of Olympic memorabilia soon joined stamp collectors and in 1951, when Olympic coins were struck for the first time, coin enthusiasts also entered the world of Olympic collectors.
Olympic collectibles have always fascinated Olympic fans, parallel to the social-sport explosion of the Olympic Games. In the early days, Olympic collectibles were not really linked to the Movement itself. This changed rapidly and they became part of an Olympic culture, part of its history and its art. Olympic collectibles also contributed to promoting the Olympic Ideal and its economy - both locally and internationally.
For those of us who have a passion for collecting coins, we know there are many hours of enjoyment looking for the background story behind every coin, and each coin does tell a story! Before the process of carbon dating was perfected, coins were the only reliable method of determining the time when certain activities took place or when a body was buried. Coins were an essential tool for research.Modern coins also tell a story and this is most apparent with Olympic coins. Olympic coins not only mark a significant event in the history of a city and its country but also express that nation's pride in its art and culture. So, collecting Olympic coins can give you hours of satisfaction.
Where to Find Olympic Coins
There are challenges, however, not least that of attempting to complete your collection for a reasonable price. Where do you find that elusive 1951 Helsinki coin, the first modern Olympic coin ever issued? If you are lucky enough to have dealt with a reliable coin dealer, then you have not have experienced this problem, but many of us live in places which make this difficult.Fortunately the Internet has spawned coin auctions such as those at ebay.com or amazon.com and business is brisk. This has been a welcome shot in the arm for Olympic coin collectors, for not only can you readily buy Olympic coins but you can also sell them. This increase in secondary market activity is healthy and will ensure that the hobby continues to grow.
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