WASHINGTON –
Today, the US Mint announced that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bais will present an official LA28 handover medallion, designed and manufactured by the Mint, to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games on August 11. According to tradition, this particular medal is made at the Mint and represents the heritage of the past, while also looking toward the future.
In a truly historic tradition at the closing ceremony, the mayors of the closing and upcoming Olympic Games join the officials of the International Olympic Committee on stage in watching the flag of the Games be lowered, passed from mayor to mayor, and waved into the air again. Which also represents the legacy of the Games being passed on to the next one.
Generally, the official gift is normally organized in a coin or medallion from basically every city where the host comes from. The gift represents good will between countries, but it is also an important milestone in sports. The handover medallion represents an official handover of the Games and celebrates the hosting of two cities/countries.
US Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson commented, “We are honored to play a creative role in celebrating the unique status of the Olympic Games. The LA28 Handover Medallion salutes the extraordinary achievement of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee while symbolizing the enthusiasm of hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.”
This 99.9% pure silver medallion is minted in the United States, with the obverse designed by Joseph Mina, the Mint’s chief engraver, and the reverse by Phoebe Hemphill, medallic artist of the Mint. The designs will feature in recognition of the arts and culture inspired by Paris and Los Angeles, the host city of the next Olympiad.
Obverse design:
Stylized “The Winged Victory of Samothrace” and the inscriptions “PARIS 2024” and “LOS ANGELES 2028”, in the styles of Art Deco and Graffiti Arts, respectively.
In the background is the Arc de Triomphe, and in the foreground, there is the Los Angeles Coliseum, which serves as an illustration of handing over the Games from Paris to Los Angeles. At the center, above the Coliseum, the LA28 Olympic handover symbol is placed.
The Secretary of the Treasury approved the Mint to produce official transfer medallions and additional silver reproduction medals to be given by the Mint to distinguished individuals at the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
About the United States Mint:
The United States Mint was originally established by Congress in 1792, and in 1873, the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.
The Mint further produces numismatic products, which include proof, un circulated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. None of these numismatic programs burdens the taxpayer with costs.
FAQ:
HOW CAN THE PUBLIC PURCHASE THE MEDALLION?
Here we provide the information,the handover medallion can not be purchased by the public.the U.S. Mint may make announcements after the ceremony regarding the releases and collecting versions.
How does the medallion associate the true spirit of Olympic 2024 paris?
The medallion recognizes the continuity and unity of the Games, which conveys the Olympic spirit. As a permanent reminder of the Olympic cultural heritage, it captures the artistic and social significance of both the present and future host cities.
What is the importance of the medallion presentation?
It is part of the tradition of passing on the Olympic flame and spirit from one host city to the next.
What are medallions made of?
A medallion is a portable, flat, rounded disk. Usually made of metal, medallions typically feature designs on both sides.
Who invented the medal?
The Dutch silversmiths invented chased medals made of shells of silver hammered.