In 1988, in honor of Australia's Bicentenary, the Australian Bicentennial Authority in conjunction with the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) issued a set of six silver commemorative medallions.
The Bicentennial Authority developed the six themes depicted on the medallions, then held a competition to select the artist who would interpret the themes into designs for each of the medallions. Australian artist/sculptor Michael Tracey was the winner of the design competition. The six themes are:
- The Aboriginals
- British Settlement
- Explorers Pioneers
- Federation
- Defense Forces
- Living Together
The themes provide a broadly arching timeline for Australia's development as a nation.
The medals share a common reverse design, the logo of the Australian Bicentennial Authority encircled by a commemorative inscription and a pair of branches from the wattle tree.
Each of the sterling silver medallions is 50.0 mm in diameter and 4.00 mm thick. The weight of each is 71 grams, which equates to about 2.11 troy ounces (a total of ~12.66 troy ounces of silver in the set). All of the medallions are struck in proof. The series was limited to 10,000 sets, but I'm not sure how many were actually sold. I contacted the RAM regarding the final sales figures, but they were unable to provide me with the information.
The set came in a large, dark green case and included a booklet that briefly describes each medal along with a COA.
The large 2-inch "canvas" available to Michael Tracey allowed him to create (IMO) exceptional, detailed designs for each medallion that go beyond what would have been possible had the decision been made to release the series using coins of the realm. The RAM is also to be commended for its technical execution of the series - they are quite nice in hand!
I collect commemorative coins and medals, and have a special fondness for well-executed silver medals. While my collection is focused on pieces from the US and Canada, I am always on the lookout for well-designed, historically significant medals from countries around the world. This one had been on my radar for some time.
After several years of searching for a set that was being offered at what I considered a fair price - I found many that were priced quite high! - I finally came across one a few months back at what I considered a more than fair price. I was able to purchase the set shown below, with all of its original packaging, via online auction for a few dollars under melt value.
Enjoy!
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: The Aboriginals
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: British Settlement
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: Explorers Pioneers
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: Federation
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: Defense Forces
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: Living Together
1988 Australia Bicentennial Medallion: Common Reverse
Posted 04/16/2013 07:48 am
