These are the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded as prizes and for services by the Melbourne 1888 International Exhibition. This exhibition marked the centenary of European settlement of Australia. The gold medal was won by the Flemington Meat Preserving Company, the silver by David Winbanks and the bronze by the wine maker Thomas Fiaschi.

Medals of Melbourne International Exhibition, obverse.

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Obverse – Crowned and veiled bust of Queen Victoria facing left. Around it is the legend CENTENNIAL INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION MELBOURNE.

Reverse – Around the Southern Cross and within a wreath of wattle and oak leaves is the Latin legend ARTIBUS DIGNIS HONOR INSIGNIS [To the deserving arts distinguished honour]. Below the wreath is the date MDCCCLXXXVIII [1888].

Gold purchased, 1990

Silver transferred from National Gallery of Victoria, 1976

Bronze purchased, 1989