Summary
A gilt medal issued by M.R. Roberts to commemorate the sesquicentenary of Victoria and Melbourne. It features the bust of Edward Henty, considered the first settler in Victoria, and names John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner. In May 1835, a syndicate led by John Batman explored Port Phillip Bay, looking for suitable sites for a settlement. Batman claimed to have signed a 'treaty' with Aboriginal leaders, giving him ownership of almost 250,000 hectares of land. Three months later, another syndicate of farmers, led by John Pascoe Fawkner, entered the Yarra River aboard the Enterprize, establishing the first permanent settlement. New South Wales Governor Richard Bourke declared Batman's treaty illegal and the settlers to be trespassers. But within two years, more than 350 people and 55 000 sheep had landed, and the squatters were establishing large wool-growing properties in the district. Bourke was forced to accept the rapidly growing township.
Mint: Amor.
Physical Description
A gilt medal issued by M.R. Roberts Bust of Henty facing 3/4 left; in field left in small letters, EDWARD / HENTY around above, PORTLAND VICTORIA around, TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST SETTLEMENT 1834 - 1984 Royal Exhibition Building; below in small letters, BATMAN - FAWKNER; above, MELBOURNE;below, 1835 - 1985
Obverse Description
Bust of Henty facing 3/4 left; in field left in small letters, EDWARD / HENTY around above, PORTLAND VICTORIA around, TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST SETTLEMENT 1834 - 1984
Reverse Description
Royal Exhibition Building; below in small letters, BATMAN - FAWKNER; above, MELBOURNE;below, 1835 - 1985
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Barrie Winsor - Wynyard Coin Centre, 08 Apr 1985
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Date Issued
1985 AD
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Issued By
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Mint
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Commissioned By
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Person Depicted
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Person Named
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Person Named
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Inscriptions
(edge) Plain (obverse) Bust of Henty facing 3/4 left; in field left in small letters, EDWARD / HENTY around above, PORTLAND VICTORIA around, TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST SETTLEMENT 1834 - 1984 (reverse) Royal Exhibition Building; below in small letters, BATMAN - FAWKNER; above, MELBOURNE;below, 1835 - 1985
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Series
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Material
Gilt Bronze
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
32 mm (Outside Diameter), 13.63 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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Keywords
Celebrations, Melbourne Sesquicentenary, 1984, Royal Exhibition Building, Victoria Sesquicentenary, 1985