Summary

Gilt commemorative medal from the 1880 Melbourne International Exhbition. This medal was struck for sale to visitors to the exhibition. It features view of the Exhibition Building from directly in front and Advance Australia Arms on the reverse.

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

Gilt commemorative medal. It has been holed and probably originally had a loop and ribbon.

Obverse Description

At centre view of the Exhibition Building from directly in front; around above, MELBOURNE in exergue, EXHIBITION / 1880

Reverse Description

Advance Australia Arms with emu on left, facing left head reversed, and kangaroo on right, facing right head reversed; in exergue, 1880

Edge Description

Plain

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