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MV Logo. Coins and Medals. 8hr medal.


New century plaque, 1900

This plaque was sold as a memento at the Paris International Exhibition of 1900. It depicts an exhausted 19th Century collapsed by a tree but still bravely holding the flame high. A youthful 20th Century takes the torch from her hand and her journey begins.

New century plaque, obverse.
Click to enlarge. (72kb)
 New century plaque, reverse.
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Obverse – The youthful 20th Century takes the flame from an exhausted 19th Century with the legend LVMEN VENTRIVS TRADIT MORITV RA PERENNE [At the time of your death you deliver up the light you have carried that it might continue to burn].

Reverse – Above a victor's garland is the legend EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE INTERNATIONAL DE 1900 PARIS, below it is a view of a Paris street.


Donation, 1990


© Museum Victoria Australia