Summary

Australia Victoria Shire of Narracan
Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee 1897 (AD)
Mint: not recorded
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. Narracan is located in Gippsland, east of Melbourne, 13km south-west of Moe. The Narracan Shire included the gold-mining town of Walhalla and the coal-mining centre of Yallourn. Gold rushes were significant in the early development of the Shire. As well as Walhalla itself, gold rushes occured in the surrounding areas of Tanjil, Jordan River, Donnelly's Creek and Aberfeldy. At Coopers Creek copper mining also developed. On 20 September 1878 the Narracan Shire was gazetted, stretching from the Moe River a little beyond Yarragon to the existing Rosedale Shire boundary. Industries in the Narracan area today include include agriculture, timber production, mining and manufacturing.

Obverse Description

Jugate busts, young & old Queen Victoria; around, QUEEN VICTORIA'S 60TH YEAR OF REIGN * 1837 TO 1897 * (stops on either side of date in form of stars). Mint name, STOKES & SONS in tiny letters on rim below date.

Reverse Description

At centre within wide rim two crossed shield, one featuring Lyre bird and fern, the other wheat sheaf and plough, behind, with only the top showing, Royal Arms; around on broad rim, SHIRE OF NARRACAN * PRESIDENT HENRY W. CRISP, J.P. *

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Narracan is located in Gippsland, east of Melbourne, 13km south-west of Moe. The Narracan Shire included the gold-mining town of Walhalla and the coal-mining centre of Yallourn. Gold rushes were significant in the early development of the Shire. As well as Walhalla itself, gold rushes occured in the surrounding areas of Tanjil, Jordan River, Donnelly's Creek and Aberfeldy. At Coopers Creek copper mining also developed. On 20 September 1878 the Narracan Shire was gazetted, stretching from the Moe River a little beyond Yarragon to the existing Rosedale Shire boundary. Industries in the Narracan area today include include agriculture, timber production, mining and manufacturing. -City of Latrobe web site http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/content.cfm?topicid=80; Adams, J. Mountain gold: a history of the Baw Baw and Walhalla country of the Narracan Shire, Victoria. -D. Tout-Smith 25/11/2003.

More Information