Summary

Australia Victoria Melbourne
Australian Centenary Gold Medal 1888 (AD)
Mint: Amor
Awarded to: Loch, Henry Brougham (Sir)
Other Details: Medal issued to commemorate the centenary of British settlement on the East coast of Australia on 26 January 1788. It incorporates the badge and motto of the colony of New South Wales, 'Orta Recens Quam Pura Nites' (recently risen, how brightly you shine). Medals made to commemorate the centenary were struck by the Sydney firm W.J. Amor in gold, silver and bronze and were awarded to 'prominent citizens and Shire Councils'.

Physical Description

A gold medal featuring Britannia seated right holding shield and trident; above, AUSTRALIA in exergue, G R / JANUARY 26 1788 and the Badge of New South wales within wreath of native flora; below, 1888; around, ORTA REGENS QUAM PURA NITES [Recently risen how brightly thou shinest] In tiny lettering AMOR.

Obverse Description

Britannia seated right holding shield and trident; above, AUSTRALIA in exergue, G R / JANUARY 26 1788

Reverse Description

Badge of New South wales within wreath of native flora; below, 1888; around, ORTA REGENS QUAM PURA NITES [Recently risen how brightly thou shinest] In tiny lettering AMOR

Significance

Centennial celebrations began in Sydney on 22 January 1888, when a large congregation gathered in St Andrew's Cathedral to listen to prayers for Queen and country, enlivened by a Hallelujah chorus. Alfred Barry, Primate of Australia, reminded the congregation that all that stood between them and barbarism were the monarchy, parliament and respect for law and order. Two days later 50,000 people gathered in King Street to witness Lord Carrington unveil a statue of Queen Victoria. Rousing patriotic speaches were enthusiastically received. Afterwards, prominent citizens hastened to a garden party at Government House. On 26 January the crowds again gathered, this time at Lachlan Swamp, to be given the more dignified and appropriate name of Centennial Park. Military bands played rousing tunes, and the governor mounted a dais erected for the vice-regal party, where he delievered a speech to rousing cheers. -Australian Coin Review. Vol.24 (9), March 1988, pp.21-25. -D. Tout-Smith 30/10/2003.

More Information