The 16th International Chess Olympiad

The 16th International Chess Olympiad
Official Award Medal, 5724-1964

Chess Olympics take place once every two years, each time in another country. The International Chess Federation, founded in Paris in 1924, celebrated its fortieth anniversary in Israel, staging its sixteenth Olympics there. It was the largest Olympics ever held. Chess masters from fifty countries competed. Some ten thousand chess players are associated with the Israeli Chess Federation which was founded in 1920.

Obverse: In the center, a schematic symbol of the International Chess Federation - the globe, and in it the Latin motto: "Gens Una Sumus" (meaning, we are all one family). Around the globe, in Hebrew "Israel, 5725" and "Israel, 1964" in English. Around the rim, in Hebrew and French "16th Chess Olympiad".

Reverse: Stylized chess pieces laid out on a stylized chess board.

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear the word "Sterling" in English and the word "Silver 935" in Hebrew.

Serialization: The silver 59mm - 25 medals minted, 14 have been melted.

Designer: Obverse - Zelig Segal. Reverse - The Shamir Brothers.

Engraving: Kretschmer.

Mint: Kretschmer.