1980 Melbourne International Centenary Exhibition Medal Set – Stokes (A/Asia) Ltd

1980 Melbourne International Centenary Exhibition Medal Set – Stokes (A/Asia) Ltd

Commemorate a century of Melbourne’s architectural and cultural history with this official centenary medal set. Commissioned for the 1980 celebrations, these medals represent a direct numismatic link to Australia’s colonial past, struck by the same firm—Stokes—that produced the original prize medals in 1880.

Key Features and Design

• Historical Continuity: The obverse features a veiled "widow head" portrait of Queen Victoria, reproduced directly from the original 1880 steel die/hub used for the Gold Prize Medals a century earlier.
• Stokes Legacy: Struck by Stokes (Australasia) Limited, a firm established in 1856 with a legacy tied to the very building these medals celebrate.
• Limited Edition Tribute: These medals were available exclusively during the 1980 Centenary Exhibition, which was officially opened by Princess Alexandra.
• Dual Metal Set: This comprehensive set includes:
  • Sterling Silver (.925): Featuring a mirror-like proof finish.
  • Bronze: Struck to commemorate the live minting demonstrations held at the Stokes stand during the exhibition.

Technical Specifications

• Year Struck: 1980
• Mint: Stokes (Australasia) Limited, Melbourne
• Obverse Designer: Thomas Stokes (Original 1880 hub)
• Metals: Sterling Silver and Bronze
• Diameter: 38mm
• Weight: 25.81g (Silver), 39.61g (Bronze)
• Inscription (Silver only):
  • Obverse: MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION MDCCCLXXX
  • Reverse: A detailed inscription chronicling the centenary and the reproduction of the 1880 die.

Condition and Presentation

This set is a must-have for collectors of Victorian-era history, Melbourne memorabilia, or high-quality Australian exonumia.

Condition Note:

• Full Suite: Includes both the Silver and Bronze medals, complete with the original red velvet-lined hardshell presentation case with gold-stamped interior satin, and certificate.
• Silver Medal: Remains in excellent condition with sharp detail.
• Bronze Medal: Exhibits natural toning commensurate with its 40+ year age. While the fields have dulled over time, the struck details remain sharp and well-defined.
• Packaging: The black textured hardshell case is well-preserved. Minor shelf wear to the outer case or light aging to the internal fabric may be present, consistent with a vintage set from 1980.