Centennial commemorative medal, 1788 – 1888

British settlement on the East coast of Australia began on 26 January 1788. Medals were made to commemorate the first centenary of this event. This example, in gold, was presented to Sir Henry Brougham Loch, Governor of Victoria, in 1888. The medals were struck by the Sydney firm WJ Amor in gold, silver and bronze and were awarded to 'prominent citizens and Shire Councils'

Centennial commemorative medal, obverse.

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Centennial commemorative medal, reverse.

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Obverse – The front of the medal depicts Britannia in a form easily recognised in 1888, as it is exactly as found on the everyday bronze coins of that era. However the words ONE PENNY on the coin is replaced with AUSTRALIA. Below the main design is a crown with the letters G R at its sides for Georgius Rex [King George III - the King in 1788] and the date January 26 1788.		Reverse – The back of the medal shows the New South Wales Arms within a wreath of Australian native plants. At the top is a crown above the conjoined letters VR, an abbreviation of Victoria Regina [Latin for Queen Victoria]. Below is the centenary date 1888 around which is the Latin legend ORTA REGENS QUAM PURA NITES [Recently risen how brightly you shine].

Purchased, 1976