Memorabilia from the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 is popular. The original Olympics collectables were the special issue stamps, depicting wrestlers, discus throwers and a chariot race.
These can fetch £500, but most of those that followed can be found in mint condition for less than £10.
New collectors might also look out for the badges or pins issued to all participants in the Games before 1984. As they were produced in relativ
ely large numbers, these can be found for £25 to £100.
Coins minted by the host country are also inexpensive and easy to find. In 1952, 586,500 coins were made for the Helsinki Olympics, and these are worth around £25. However, 18,500 were minted for the same Games the year before and, as they are less common, a 1951 coin might be worth £250.
The main collectables are, of course, medals and torches. The torch used to light the flame at the 1952 Games sold for almost £95,000, but for 1996's Atlanta Olympics, 13,000 torches were made and they typically sell for £1,500 to £2,000.
A silver winner's medal from 1896 recently sold for over £22,000. In 1896, winners received a silver medal, and the runner-up a bronze. The convention of gold for the winner, with silver and bronze for the runners up, began in 1904.
Souvenirs, such as ashtrays, can also be of interest. However, after the 1976 Games, memorabilia became an industry and now is mass-produced and rarely collectable.
Judith Miller's DK Pocket Collectors Guides to Handbags, Perfume Bottles, Sixties Style and Metal Toys are on sale now, £7.99 each.
The full article contains 280 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
