This medal was created by the Victorian Humane Society in 1874 as an award for those who saved lives after shipwreck. The medals were the work of Julius Hogarth, a Sydney silversmith and engraver who came to Melbourne hoping to get work at the Melbourne Mint. This particular medal was not awarded, but was collected by one of the first Victorian medal collectors to take an interest in local work, George McArthur of Maldon.

Victorian Humane Society medal, obverse.

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Victorian Humane Society medal, reverse.

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Obverse – A man stretches for the prow of an approaching boat with his left hand while supporting a child from drowning. In the background a burning ship sinks. Above this is the legend VICTORIAN HUMANE SOCIETY. Below is a shell with the artist Julius Hogarth's initials in tiny letters on either side. Below that ESTD. 1874 and the medal maker's name, STOKES AND MARTIN MELBOURNE.		Reverse – Within an oak wreath the Latin legend VIRTUTE PARATUM with space for the engraving of a name.

Donated by George McArthur, 1903