Summary

Australia New South Wales Sydney
Medal - University of Sydney Large Bronze Prize c. 1900 (AD)
Mint: Sydney
Other Details: This bronze University of Sydney Prize medal was minted around 1900. It was not issued. The University of Sydney was established in 1850 to promote useful knowledge and to encourage the residents of New South Wales to pursue a regular course of liberal education. Teaching began in 1852 with a Faculty of Arts degree which required three years' study of Greek, Latin, Maths, and Science. In this critical period, the University's growth was hampered in several ways. Secondary education was very little developed in the colony, and the program provided did not encourage further study, so it was 30 years before an annual enrolment at the University reached 100. The University developed strongly in the 1890s as a result of several generous public donations and increased government funding.

Physical Description

An unissued specimen bronze prize medal (52 mm diameter) featuring the Shield of the University.

Obverse Description

At centre, University Crest with motto below on ribbon SIDERE MENS EADEM MVTATO; artist's name., A.WYON in tiny letters beside shield; around on broad rim, + UNIVERSITY : OF : SYDNEY : NEW : SOUTH : WALES

Reverse Description

Above an open olive wreath, PRIZE MEDAL

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The University of Sydney was established in 1850 to promote useful knowledge and to encourage the residents of New South Wales to pursue a regular course of liberal education. Teaching began in 1852 with a Faculty of Arts degree which required three years' study of Greek, Latin, Maths, and Science. In this critical period, the University's growth was hampered in several ways. Secondary education was very little developed in the colony, and the program provided did not encourage further study, so it was 30 years before an annual enrolment at the University reached 100. -University of Sydney web site http://www.usyd.edu.au/about/profile/pub/history.shtml.

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