Summary

Australia New South Wales Sydney
Sydney Mint Medal Edward VII in silver
Mint: Sydney
Other Details: Medal issued by the Sydney Branch of the Royal Mint, designed by George William de Saulles. Saulles was a sculptor, designer and engraver. He served as assistant to Leonard Charles Wyon at the London Mint and in 1892 was appointed chief engraver, serving until 1903. He designed and engraved coins used in many countries.

Obverse Description

Crowned bust of Edward VII faciing left, around, EDWARDVSVII REX ET IMPERATOR on truncation in tiny letters the artist's initials, DES.

Reverse Description

Arms of the Royal Mint with Tower of London and Tudor Rose to left and right of crown; around above, SYDNEY BRANCH OF THE ROYAL MINT below, ESTABLISHED 1855

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

When Queen Victoria died on 22 January 1901, Edward became king. At the age of 59 he was the oldest man ever to ascend the British throne. Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were crowned at Westminster Abbey on 9 August 1902. Edward VII had once wanted to join the Army, and his main interests lay in military and naval matters and foreign affairs. He played a role in the modernization of the Home Fleet and the reform of the Army Medical Services. Fluent in French and German, he made a number of visits abroad, including a visit to France in 1903 that helped create the atmosphere for the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale. Edward died on 6 May 1910.

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