Summary

Medal issued to commemorate the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. It includes an image of Duke and Duchess of York, who visited in May 1901 to open the first Commonwealth Parliament. Their tour was one of the most lavish undertaken by the monarchy. An Orient steamship liner had to be chartered for the voyage as no royal yacht could span the required distances between coaling ports. The Daily Telegraph's 'London correspondent' reported that the 'The tour of the Duke and Duchess of York is likely to cost the British ratepayer a cool quarter of a million...' The royal visitors were received with great enthusiasm.

Physical Description

Cross shaped struck in white metal.

Obverse Description

At centre 3/4 busts of the Duke and Duchess of York, around, H.R.H. THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF YORK; on cross arms, a rose, a leaf, a golden fleece and a decoration chest badge

Reverse Description

At centre, -*- / FEDERATED / AUSTRALIA / 1901 / -*-; around on cross arms, GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Edge Description

Plain

More Information