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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Simple Souvenir: Coins and Medals of the Olympic Games, By Peter van Alfen

A Simple Souvenir: Coins and Medals of the Olympic Games , by Peter van Alfen, the Margaret Thompson Assistant Curator of Greek Coins at the American Numismatic Society (ANS), is now available from David Brown Books. This richly illustrated catalogue of the ANS exhibit "Full Circle: the Olympic Heritage in Coins & Medals" at the Federal Reserve Bank, New York (October 21, 2003 - October 1, 2004), explores the social and political function of Olympic numismatics. Dr. van Alfen traces the history of the Olympics from its ancient Greek origins to the modern Olympic revival movements, encompassing not only the well-known IOC Olympics, but also the lesser-known Olympics held in Athens before 1896 and in Much Wenlock, England, as well as the Socialist Olympics movements of the 1920s and 1930s. Illustrating over 120 objects, including ancient vases and sports equipment, early 20 th century posters and other ephemera, in addition to the coins and medals, the book offers a unique perspective on the Olympics and its numismatic heritage.

160p, illus., ISBN 0897222938. Hardback. Price US $50.00

American Numismatic Society members receive a 30% discount

The David Brown Book Co.

PO Box 511, Oakville CT 06779