Summary

Australia Victoria Geelong West
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee 1897 (AD)
Mint: Stokes & Son
Other Details: Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897 was celebrated the great enthusiasm throughout the British Empire. It prompted many Australian local governments to issue commemorative medals, including the Borough of Geelong West. Its medal names H. Sargeant as Mayor. Henry Sargeant, of Packington St, served as Mayor from 1896 to 1897. Geelong West began to develop in the 1830s and 1840s, with both industrial and residential activities. In 1858 the Geelong Gas Works was founded in the district of Kildare, and the largest nineteenth century factory in the area, Donaghy's Rope Works, was founded in 1873. In 1886 the Newberry foundry provided both local employment and cast-iron building materials used for the many timber houses to be found in Geelong West. The Borough of Geelong West was proclaimed in 1875. By 1897, when this medal was issued, it had 5,682 people and covered 859 acres.

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 Geelong West featuring steam train, factory, sailing ship and bales of wool; above Austrralian Arms with emu and kangaroo supporters, below on ribbon, BE JUST & FEAR NOT; around on broad rim, * BOROUGH OF GEELONG WEST * H. SARGEANT, MAYOR

Edge Description

Plain

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