Summary

Australia Victoria Shire of Gisborne
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. This medal was issued by the Shire of Gisborne. It names Thomas Ross Watt as Shire President. Thomas Riddell Ross Watt was a Justice of the Peace who lived in New Gisborne. He represented the Bullengarook riding as a councillor for the Shire of Gisborne. Serving in 1895, he was due to retire in 1896, but was re-elected in 1897 and retired in August 1899. The Shire of Gisborne at that time covered 100 square miles and had a population of 1,900.

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 Royal Arms with lion and unicorn supporters, below, 1897 around on broad rim, SHIRE OF GISBORNE + THOS. ROSS WATT, PRESIDENT +

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Thomas Riddell Ross Watt was a Justice of the Peace who lived in New Gisborne. He represented the Bullengarook riding as a councillor for the Shire of Gisborne. Serving in 1895, he was due to retire in 1896, but was re-elected in 1897 and retired in August 1899. The Shire of Gisborne at that time covered 100 square miles and had a population of 1,900. -Victorian Municipal Directory. -D. Tout-Smith 20/2/2004.

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