Summary

Medal struck in 1877 by Stokes featuring Julius Hogarth's aboriginal head and the legend SANDY : EX : REX : QUEENSLAND. The man depicted is the same as that on medals inscribed 'Ricketty Dick', from Sydney.

Obverse Description

Aboriginal male head, bare, bearded, facing right; around, SANDY : EX : REX : QUEENSLAND : tiny artists initials J.H. incuse in neck

Reverse Description

Within wreath and below 'rising sun', coat of arms featuring ship, golden fleece, mining tools and sheaf of wheat; below base of wreath, 1877

Edge Description

Milled

Significance

The Aboriginal man whose head was depicted on many medals in the later nineteenth century was known as 'Ricketty Dick'. He appears on this medal inscribed 'Sandy'. He was familiar to people who travelled along the New South Head Road to Watson's Bay, in Sydney. Born around 1798, he camped on dry ground amongst the swamps of Rose Bay, near the site of the current Lyne Park. As people passed through his tribal territory he asked them for coins, tobacco and other goods. In later years he was provided support by wealthy pastoralist and politician W.C. Wentworth. He died in June 1863.

Ricketty Dick was portrayed in the earliest known Australian sculpture in silver, attributed to Julius Hogarth. It was displayed in the 1855 Paris Exposition Universelle. -Powerhouse Museum web site http://www.phm.gov.au. L.J. Carlisle. 1983. Australian Commemorative Medals and Medalets from 1799, p.13. -D. Tout-Smith 26/9/2003.

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