Athens 1896 - 2004
This silver proof coin celebrates the return of the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, the originating city of the modern Olympics in 1896. Held in honor of Zeus in the city of Olympia for four days every fourth summer, the Olympic games were the oldest and most prestigious of four great ancient Greek athletic festivals.
Reverse: Along the rim, on the left, “...to Athens in 2004”. In the center, a modern olympic runner. On the left, the classic illustration of a runner in the ancient olympics, shown on a greek column.
Obverse: Along the rim, at the top, “From Athens in 1896....” and “RF” for “French Republic”. On the left, the face value, and “Pierre de Coubertin”. On the right, an representation of Coubertin in front of greek ruins and various greek monuments, and the year of issue.
The Baron de Coubertin practiced boxing, fencing, horse-riding and rowing, and was convinced that sport was the springboard for moral energy. It was this conviction that led him to announce at the age of 31 that he wanted to revive the Olympic Games in Athens.
