Halley's Comet medal, 1986

This is one of many medals produced in Australia to celebrate the return of Halley's Comet in 1986. The comet is named after Halley because he foretold its return in 1758 and every 75 years thereafter. The period of its orbit is by coincidence close to that of a human lifetime - perhaps explaining why this, among all comets, is the most famous.

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Obverse – A pictorial representation of Halley's Comet in the sky above Australia.		Reverse – A bust of Halley facing out, above a calendar. Around is the legend EDMOND HALLEY 1656 1742: ASTRONOMER ROYAL Predicted Return of Comet In 1758 and every 75 Years. NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION VICTORIA 1986 CALENDAR.

Purchased, 1986