Right now, the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, or more commonly known as the 2016 Summer Olympics, are happening in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Ancient Greece actually started the Olympics in 776 BC and they continued until the 4th Century AD. The modern Olympics started in 1859, after the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, and officially began after the creation of the International Olympic Committee and the Games in 1896. The summer and winter games occur every four years, two years apart from each other, as of 1992. A great coin collecting category is Olympic coins.
The ancient games were played at the Sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Elis every four years and legend has it that during the games, none of the participating city-states were allowed to engage in conflict. Ancient games included events that still occur today – wrestling, foot racing, discus and javelin throw, and others that occur elsewhere in modern forms, such as horse racing (chariot racing) and mixed martial arts (pankration).
We have a diverse selection of ancient to modern Olympic coins for you to enjoy, including these highlights:
