Summary

Cupro-nickel medal in original presentation folder, commissioned by the Commonwealth of Australia to commemorate the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. Designed by Michael Meszaros and Michael Tracey and struck by the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra.

This medal, of which 3.2 million were struck, is believed by the artist to be the second-largest commemorative medal issue anywhere in the world. It was presented to schoolchildren throughout Australia to commemorate the Bicentenary in 1988. The obverse was designed by Melbourne artist Michael Meszaros and depicts school children climbing steps with the Southern Cross in the sky and the word 'EDUCATION' below. It took six attempts to find a design acceptable to the committee.The reverse, designed by Michael Tracey, features the Bicentennial logo, a map of Australia formed by parallel diagonal lines. It was given to the donor who was a Year 10 student at Fawkner High School in 1988.

Physical Description

Bicentennial medallion for school students, issued to Australian school students in 1988. The medallion is designed by two artists. On the obverse, designed by M. Nazaros; the reverse by M. Tracey. It was given to the donor who was a Year 10 student at Fawkner High School in 1988. It is presented in its original folder.

Significance

For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.

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