Summary

Australia, Shire of Charlton
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee 1897 (AD)
Mint: not recorded
Other Details: Medal issued by the Shire of Charlton to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897. The jubilee was celebrated the great enthusiasm throughout the British Empire. It prompted many Australian local governments to issue commemorative medals. Charlton is located the north-west Victoria, 254 km north west of Melbourne. The first European settlers established 'Charlton' station in 1848, straddling the Avoca River. In 1863 an inn was erected, and fours years later a bridge was built across the Avoca River, facilitating the spread of the settlement to both sides of the riverbank. In the 1870s the large holdings were opened to selectors who established grain-growing. Two flour mills were consequently built in the 1870s. The Shire of Charlton was established on 28 May 1895, only two years before it issued this medal.

Obverse Description

Conjoined head of Victoria of 1837 and veiled bust of Victoria of 1897; around, QUEEN VICTORIA'S 60TH. YEAR OF REIGN * 1837 TO 1897 *

Reverse Description

At centre within broad rim Arms of Charlton featuring farmer with pick and plough, grapes, cattle and sheep, below, SHIRE OF CHARLTON; around on broad rim; C.A. FOREMAN PRESIDENT * E.F. GILCHRIST, SEC *

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Medal issued by the Shire of Charlton to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897. The jubilee was celebrated the great enthusiasm throughout the British Empire. It prompted many Australian local governments to issue commemorative medals. Charlton is located the north-west Victoria, 254 km north west of Melbourne. The first European settlers established 'Charlton' station in 1848, straddling the Avoca River. In 1863 an inn was erected, and fours years later a bridge was built across the Avoca River, facilitating the spread of the settlement to both sides of the riverbank. In the 1870s the large holdings were opened to selectors who established grain-growing. Two flour mills were consequently built in the 1870s. The Shire of Charlton was established on 28 May 1895, only two years before it issued this medal. -Walkabout Australia Travel Guide, Fairfax F2 web site http://www.walkabout.com.au/locations/VICCharlton.shtml; Blake, L. 1977. Place Names of Victoria. -D. Tout-Smith 25/11/2003.

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