This medal commemorates the opening of the exhibition on 6 November 1872. It was struck by the Melbourne firm Stokes and Martin with a medal press they set up to demonstrate medal making at the exhibition.

Exhibition commemorative medal, obverse.

Click to enlarge. (150kb)

Exhibition commemorative medal, reverse.

Click to enlarge. (144kb)


Obverse – Around the edge on a broad rim is the legend MEDAL STRUCK TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE VICTORIAN EXHIBITION. At the centre within a wreath is STOKES AND MARTIN MEDALISTS MELBOURNE 1872		Reverse – A classical female figure representing the Colony of Victoria extending a victory wreath. Around her are the symbols of trade, industry and agriculture, the basis of Victoria's wealth. Below this in small letters is the maker's name STOKES AND MARTIN MELBOURNE.

Transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976