Summary

Australia Victoria Ararat
Jubilee of Queen Victoria 1887 (AD)
Mint: Stokes & Martin
Other Details: The fiftieth anniversary of the ascension of Queen Victoria was celebrated with enthusiasm throughout the Empire. This medal was one of many issued by local governments to commemorate the occasion. It was issued by the Borough of Ararat and names T. Tobin as Mayor. Thomas Tobin's term on council ended in August 1887. The Borough of Ararat was established in 1858, the year after gold had been discovered near the site of the future town of Ararat. Ararat's Canton Lead was one of the world's richest shallow alluvial goldfields, and attracted 20,000 prospectors within weeks of its discovery. Its population in the 1850s included a large proportion of Chinese diggers. The Ararat region also became known for the quality of its wool and its wine industry. By 1887, when this medal was issued, the Borough of Ararat had 3,650 people living in an area of 3,840 acres.

Obverse Description

Head of Queen Victoria facing left, wearing veil and coronet; Around, VICTORIA'S JUBILEE Below, 1887. Inscription on truncation of Queen's neck: H.S.

Reverse Description

Shield depicting dove diving out of sun at Noah's ark - well around on broad rim, T. TOBIN MAYOR * ARARAT *

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The Ararat region also became known for the quality of its wool and its wine industry. By 1887, when this medal was issued, Ararat had 3,650 people living in an area of 3,840 acres. -Victorian Municipal Directory. -D. Tout-Smith 20/2/2004.

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