Summary

Australia Victoria Geelong
Separation Medal 1850 (AD)
Mint: Ronalds
Other Details: This is one of 100 medals struck in Geelong in 1850 to commemorate the announcement that Victoria would separate from New South Wales in 1851. It was designed and struck by Alfred Ronalds, lithographic and copper plate printer of Malop Street, Geelong. Ronalds explained its symbolism: the Bird with crown pendant is made to represent New South Wales as a Mother Country, dropping the boon of self-government into the mouth of the young Colony of Victoria. The Butterfly leaving its chrysalis is symbolic of the birth of the new Colony, Victoria, leaving its husk behind and fleeing to partake of the sweets of a new generation. The Bird escaping from its cage represents Victoria escaping from the bonds of control, with all the vicissitudes of life, soaring on the wings of Liberty into the expanse of Nations. The Hands clasped across the waters shows that although the waters of the River Murray divide us, the hearts of the people are still united. The Sun in the centre which is the Geelong crest is seen to shine alike on Maternal Affection, The Birth of a new Colony, and the United Hearts of the People.

Obverse Description

HOW SWEET IS LIBERTY. MATERNAL AFFECTION. SEPARATE BUT STILL UNITED. ADIEU.; Design divided into 4 quarters;bird with young,clasped hands etc

Reverse Description

COMMEMORATIVE/OF THE/GREAT CHARTER/OF/SELF GOVERNMENT/GRANTED TO THE/ COLONY/OF/VICTORIA/AUGUST 5TH/1850

Edge Description

Plain

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