Summary

Australia
75th Anniversary of Australian Federation 1976 (AD)
Mint: Heaton & Sons
Other Details: This is one of many medals made to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Federation. This example features the Duke of York, who with visited Australia to open the first Commonwealth Parliament in May 1901. The tour of the Duke and Duchess was one of the most lavish undertaken by the monarchy. An Orient steamship liner had to be chartered for the voyage as no royal yacht could span the required distances between coaling ports. The Daily Telegraph's 'London correspondent' reported that the 'The tour of the Duke and Duchess of York is likely to cost the British ratepayer a cool quarter of a million...' Arriving on their liner on 6 May, the Duke and the Duchess were greeted with enthusiasm by the people of Melbourne. They attended a full programme of receptions, dinners and events. Public holidays allowed people to glimpse the royal couple.

Obverse Description

Bust facing; around, + THE DUKE OF YORK + in small letters in field LL

Reverse Description

Australia Arms above 1901 - 1976 / H; around 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA

Edge Description

(Hallmarked)

Significance

Queen Victoria established the office of Governor-General on 29 October 1900 and on the same day issued instructions to Lord Hopetoun to set in motion the government of a federated Australia. Hopetoun appointed Edmund Barton as first Prime Minister, and formally appointed the Ministers selected by Barton in order that the first Cabinet would represent all the States. Commonwealth Government Founding Documents web site http://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/places/cth/cth1.htm. -D. Tout-Smith 10/10/2003.

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