Summary

Australia Victoria
State Savings Bank
Captain James Cook Bi-Centenary, 1970 (AD)
Mint: Stokes
Other Details: This is one of more than 40 different commemorative medal issues inspired by the 1970 bicentenary of Captain James Cook's arrival in Australia. This gilded bronze medal, commissioned by the State Savings Bank of Victoria, was the first released to mark the bicentenary. 50 gold medallions were initially struck, as well as 5,000 silver and 100,000 bronze; the Bank reserved the right the strike an additional 5,000 silver and 100,000 bronze. The gold and silver medals featured Cook's ship, the 'Endeavour', on the reverse; the bronze medal, such as this example, had a cannon pictured as well. The bust of Cook is based on a plaque by Josiah Wedgewood. The plaster model for the medal was prepared by sculptor Stanley Hamond. The dies were hand-cut by Stokes' senior die-sinker, Keith Gray. The Bank mounted a display in its foyer to further commemorate the bicentenary, exploring the life and times of Captain Cook, and including charts and eighteenth century maritime equipment. A three-foot model of the 'Endeavour' and Richard Linton's painting of the 'Endeavour' were featured.

Physical Description

A medal in gilded bronze struck by the SSB featuring: Bust of James Cook facing right, around above, . 1770 . AUSTRALIA . 1970 . around below, CAPTAIN JAMES COOK BICENTENARY Mint name, STOKES, in small letters under bust The Endeavour under full sail to front right, below, H.M. BARK ENDEAVOUR; around above, THE STATE SAVINGS BANK OF VICTORIA; in exergue a small cannon, with stack of cannon-balls keg of powder etc.

Obverse Description

Bust of James Cook facing right, around above, . 1770 . AUSTRALIA . 1970 . around below, CAPTAIN JAMES COOK BICENTENARY Mint name, STOKES, in small letters under bust

Reverse Description

The Endeavour under full sail to front right, below, H.M. BARK ENDEAVOUR; around above, THE STATE SAVINGS BANK OF VICTORIA; in exergue a small cannon, with stack of cannon-balls keg of powder etc.

Edge Description

Plain

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