Summary

Australia Victoria Melbourne
Centenary of Royal Exhibition Buildings 1980 (AD)
Mint: not recorded
Numismatic Association of Victoria (NAV)
Other Details: This medal was issued in 1980 by the Numismatic Association of Victoria (NAV) to commemorate the centenary of the opening of the Royal Exhibition Buildings in 1880, built for the Melbourne International Exhibition. It was designed by NAV member L.T. Pepperell, and was available in gold, silver or bronze. The reverse of the medal shows that 'Grand Organ', built for the exhibition by George Finchan of Bridge Road, Richmond. It was a four-manual organ, each of 61 notes, and had 78 stops and 476 pipes. It was one of the greatest organs in the world, but was later wrecked by vandals and then demolished. The centenary of the Melbourne International Exhibition was celebrated on the same date that it was opened, 1 October, with a function attended by a member of the Royal Family.

Physical Description

Bronze medal (in case) issued to commemorate the centenary of the Melbopurne Exhibition Buildings At centre within wide rim a view of the Royal Exhibition Buildings; around on wide rim, CENTENARY . MELBOURNE . INTERNATIONAL . EXHIBITION . BUILDINGS . 1880 - 1980 View of original organ in apse of building; in exergue, 1880 THE GRAND ORGAN 1881 / MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION / NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION / OF VICTORIA / 1980 artist's initials, L.T.P and makers name, STOKES, in small letters on either side of date

Obverse Description

At centre within wide rim a view of the Royal Exhibition Buildings; around on wide rim, CENTENARY . MELBOURNE . INTERNATIONAL . EXHIBITION . BUILDINGS . 1880 - 1980

Reverse Description

View of original organ in apse of building; in exergue, 1880 THE GRAND ORGAN 1881 / MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION / NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION / OF VICTORIA / 1980 artist's initials, L.T.P and makers name, STOKES, in small letters on either side of date

Edge Description

Stamped, STERLING SILVER 925/1000 c 80 0025

Significance

This medal was issued in 1980 by the Numismatic Association of Victoria (NAV) to commemorate the centenary of the opening of the Royal Exhibition Buildings in 1880, built for the Melbourne International Exhibition. It was designed by NAV member L.T. Pepperell, and was available in gold, silver or bronze. The gold cost about $3,500.00, the silver about $125.00 and the bronze $20.00. The reverse of the medal shows that 'Grand Organ', built for the exhibition by George Finchan of Bridge Road, Richmond. It was a four-manual organ, each of 61 notes, and had 78 stops and 476 pipes. It was one of the greatest organs in the world, but was later wrecked by vandals and then demolished. The centenary of the Melbourne International Exhibition was celebrated on the same date that it was opened, 1 October, with a function attended by a member of the Royal Family. -1980. Australian Coin Review. Vol 17 [1]. -D. Tout-Smith 15/10/2003.

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