Search the collections
Where is it from?
- A Mint London, United Kingdom
- A Artist London, United Kingdom
- A Artist London, United Kingdom
Similar items over time
Medal - Acclimatization Society of Victoria, Bronze, Australia, 1868
Reg. No: NU 20069
Previous Page
Next Page
- Summary:
- Bronze medal awarded in 1868 by the Acclimatization Society of Victoria, featuring a menagerie of exotic animals.
In the mid 19th century in Australia and New Zealand, acclimatization societies were established to introduce exotic plants and animals. They hoped to make the alien environment feel more like home, to beautify their gardens, provide sport for hunters and 'aggrandise' the colony. But above all, they wanted to make the land economically productive.
The Acclimatization Society of Victoria was founded in 1861 by Edward Wilson, a private collector whose motto was 'if it lives, we want it'. Wilson was supported by Henry Barkly, science patron and later governor. The Acclimatization Society was primarily responsible for the introduction of starlings, sparrows and European carp in the Murray River. The Melbourne Zoo was established by the Acclimatization Society to house imported animals prior to their release. At the same time, government botanist Ferdinand von Mueller focused on the introduction of plant species from other parts of Australia and elsewhere in the world. Some - like blackberries - initially proved productive, but became noxious weeds or pests. The Acclimatization Society of Victoria folded about 1872, as the implications of its actions began to be realised. - Description:
- An unissued bronze medal (57 mm. diameter) depicting imported animals and plants.
- Acquisition Information:
- Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 1978
| Discipline: | Numismatics |
| Dimensions: | 57 mm (Diameter) |
| Dimension Comment: | Weight > 100 g. |
More information
| Tagged with: | acclimatisation societies, rabbits |
| Themes this item is part of: | Acclimatization Society of Victoria, Migration Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection, J.S. & A.B. Wyon, Engravers, London, England, J.S. & A.B. Wyon, Engravers, London, England, J.S. & A.B. Wyon, Engravers, London, England, Williamstown Rifle Range, Victoria |
| Primary Classification: | MEDALS |
| Secondary Classification: | Civil |
| Tertiary Classification: | natural sciences |
| Series: | Australian Research Medals |
| DateEra: | 1868 AD |
| Obverse Description: | At centre, across four stars of the Southern Cross, VICTORIA; around, ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETY * around the centre a wreath of imported plants (including graoe vines and wheat) bound with ribbon inscribed, OMNIA TELLUS OMNES FERET |
| Reverse Description: | Scene with trees and animals: rabbit, hare, swan, deer, pheasant, goat, alpaca and small bird in flight above; in exergue, J.S. & A.B. WYON SC. / 1868 / T. LANSEER A.B.A. ADJ. |
| Edge Description: | Plain |
| Inscriptions: | Obverse: ACCLIMATIZATION SOCIETY VICTORIA OMNIA TELLUS OMNES FERET Reverse: J.S. & A.B. WYON SC. 1868 T. LANSEER A.B.A. ADJ. |
| Shape: | Round |
| Material: | Bronze |
| Issued By: | Acclimatization Society of Victoria, Victoria, Australia, 1868 or later |
| Mint: | Wyon (Mint), London, England, Great Britain, 1868 or later |
| Artist: | Joseph Wyon, London, England, Great Britain, 1868 |
| Artist: | A. Wyon, London, England, Great Britain, 1868 |
| References: | Car 1868/3 |
| Bibliography: |
|
Themes
This item is part of the following themes:
Add your question or comment