Item NU 42305 Medal - Opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Uncirculated, New South Wales, Australia, 1932

Summary

Australia New South Wales Sydney
1932 (AD)
Sydney Harbour Bridge Opening
Mint : W. J. Amor
Awarded to : P. A. Butcher

'Sydney Harbour Bridge Opened 19th May 1932, Inaugural Celebrations in silver (51mm) by W.J.Amor, (C.1932/5). edge inscribed 'Interstate 14' skiffs Handicap won by 'Pals', P.A.Butcher. With case of issue, uncirculated.

Physical Description

Silver medal, 'Sydney Harbour Bridge Opened 19th May 1932, Inaugural Celebrations in silver (51mm) by W.J.Amor, (C.1932/5). With case of issue, uncirculated.

Obverse Description

Sydney Harbour Bridge with ships passing underneath.

Reverse Description

Coat of arms of Sydney with an Aboriginal figure and a European male.

Edge Description

'Interstate 14' skiffs Handicap won by 'Pals', P.A.Butcher.

Significance

The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was a great occasion in New South Wales, and provided a much-needed boost to Australian nationalism and self-confidence in the midst of the Depression of the 1930s. The medal shows a fine image of the Bridge with ships passing underneath; the reverse has the coat of arms of Sydney with an Aboriginal figure and a European male, and the medal was issued to the winner of a yachting race in the sporting event that was held on the day of the opening. The Museum holds a number of other medals designed by W.J.Amor. This is the best-quality medal in the collection relating to this significant event.