Summary

Royal Humane Society of Victoria's medal for proficiency in swimming and life saving. The medal was struck by the Melbourne firm Stokes and Martin who donated this piece to the Melbourne Mint as an example of their medallic work. The Royal Humane Society of Australasia was founded in 1874 as the Victorian Humane Society. In 1882 it became 'The Royal Humane Society of Australasia', the first federal institution in Australia. The first object of the Society was to bestow award upon people who risked their lives to save others; the second object was to assist recipients who were disadvantaged or disabled as a result of their brave actions, or to assist their surviving dependents. Initially the Society also arranged swimming and lifesaving training, but other organisations later took over this role. For many years the Society was located in the Old Customs House, Flinders Street, Melbourne.

Obverse Description

Scene of life saver rescuing man, sailing ship, lighthouse and rising sun in background; above, BENE NARE VITAM SALVARE; in exergue above un-engraved scroll, PRESENTED TO

Reverse Description

Small crowned head of Queen Victoria within wreath; below, AWARDED / FOR PROFICIENCY IN / SWIMMING / WITH REFERENCE / TO SAVING / LIFE; around, THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALASIA . INSTITUTED 1874 .

Edge Description

Plain

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