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Medal - Opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge, New South Wales, Australia, 1932
Reg. No: NU 20307
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- Summary:
- Australia New South Wales Sydney
Opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge 1932 (AD)
Mint: Angus & Coote
Other Details: This medal was issued to commemorate the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on 19 March 1932. It was designed by Rose M. Phipps. The idea of a bridge linking the northern and southern shores of Sydney Harbour had been suggested as early as 1815, but it was not until 1924 that the contract for the construction of the Bridge was let. The Bridge was designed and realised by J.J.C. Bradfield, a senior engineer who worked for the Department of Public Works. The Bridge became an icon of hope - and a major employer - during the Depression, and opening celebrations were lavish. Between 300,000 and 1,000,000 people participated in the festivities, including decorated floats, marching groups and bands, a gun-salute, a procession of passenger ships under the Bridge and a Venetian Canival. After the pageant members of the public were allowed to walk across the deck. At least eight medals were issued to commemorate its opening. - Acquisition Information:
- Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 1976
| Discipline: | Numismatics |
| Dimensions: | 63 mm (Diameter) |
| Weight: | 99.91 g (Weight) |
More information
| Tagged with: | bridges, great depression 1929-1939 |
| Themes this item is part of: | Public Life & Institutions Collection, Transport Collection |
| Primary Classification: | MEDALS |
| Secondary Classification: | Commemorative |
| Tertiary Classification: | public events |
| Series: | Australian Commemorative Medals |
| DateEra: | 1932 AD |
| Obverse Description: | In backround Sydney Harbour Bridge with ship steaming under it, Victory flying right above and crowning bridge with wreath; in foreground Engineer seated and behind him standing, a worker holding rivet gun in right hand tools and gears around, artist's name, R.M. PHIPPS incuse in field at right. |
| Reverse Description: | Enclosed within wreath, HARBOUR / BRIDGE /S YDNEY. N.S.W / OPENED / MARCH 19 / 1932 on ribbon at base of wreath, LABORE ET HONORE |
| Edge Description: | Plain |
| Inscriptions: | Plain (edge) R.M.PHIPPS up r. side; Harbour Bridge in the background, three figure s at the side: winged Victory? with wreath, and two men (obverse) HARBOUR/BRIDGE/SYDNEY. N.S.W/OPENED/MARCH 19/1932 Wreath encloses the above inscription (reverse) |
| Shape: | Round |
| Material: | Silver |
| Issued By: | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Mint: | Angus & Coote (Mint) |
| Artist: | Rose Phipps |
| References: | Car 1932/7 |
Themes
This item is part of the following themes:
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