Summary

Australia Victoria Eaglehawk
Eaglehaek Queen Victoria Jubilee medal 1887 (AD)
Mint: Stokes & Martin

Queen Victoria's jubilee in 1887, marking 50 years on the throne, was celebrated the great enthusiasm throughout the British Empire. It prompted many Australian local governments and politicians to issue commemorative medals. This medal was issued by the Borough of Eaglehawk, and named Mayor George Willan. Eaglehawk was a small town eight kilometres outside Bendigo. Its first mine, the rich Eaglehawk Gully, opened in 1852, the year after gold had been discovered in Bendigo. Eaglehawk was established as a Borough in 1862, and became a thriving satellite community of Bendigo. By 1903 it had a population of 8,130, 'numerous hotels', three state schools, two private schools, nine churches, a court of petty sessions, a police station, two mechanics institutes, several organised societies and a park 'hansomely laid out with flower beds and shrubs'. The 'model borough' had 1,862 houses, and streets lit partly with gas and partly with kerosene. Eaglehawk decline in the inter-war years as gold production reduced and Bendigo developed as an economic centre. It has now been absorbed into Greater Bendigo.

Obverse Description

Crowned and veiled head of Queen Victoria left; around, VICTORIA JUBILEE 1887 In small letters on neck, STOKES & MARTIN

Reverse Description

Royal arms above eagle with spread wings standing on mullock heap (?) mine to left factory to right; around, GEORGE WILLAN * MAYOR *

Edge Description

Plain

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