Summary

Australia Victoria
White metal commemorative medal from the International Exhbition, Melbourne 1880-1881
Mint: Stokes & Martin
Other Details: This medal was struck for sale to visitors to the exhibition. It features a portrait of Queen Victoria within an olive wreath and a scene of hand reaping in a wheat field in which a woman seeks an apple (?) from a man while another woman, on her knees reaping, watches on. The Melbourne International Exhibition ran from 1 October 1880 to 30 April 1881. The exhibition building that still stands was constructed for the occasion, designed by Joseph Reed and built by David Mitchell. Over 1.3 million people visited the exhibition at a time when Melbourne's population was only around 282,000.

Physical Description

A medal struck in white metal (38 mm diameter). It features a portrait of Queen Victoria within an olive wreath and a scene of hand reaping in a wheat field in which a woman seeks an apple (?) from a man while another woman, on her knees reaping, watches on.

Obverse Description

At centre, a portrait of Queen Victoria within an olive wreath; MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 1880 - 81 * COMMEMORATION MEDAL * around on broad rim

Reverse Description

A scene of hand reaping in a wheat field in which a woman seeks an apple (?) from a man while another woman, on her knees reaping, watches on; the artist's name E.A. ALTMENN in exergue

Edge Description

Plain

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