1788-1988 Bicentenial Medallion Issued by Royal Australian Mint

1788-1988 Bicentenial Medallion Issued by Royal Australian Mint
in Original box and packing
Gold-plated commemorative medal of the Australian Bicentenary. Issued by the Australian Bicentennial Authority. Designed by Michael Meszaros and minted by the Royal Australian Mint, Canberra, 1988.
This gold-plated medal was presented to official guests at the opening of the National Science and Technology Centre. The obverse, by the Melbourne artist Michael Meszaros, depicts people coming from all directions to gather around the Australian flag. The reverse features the Bicentennial logo by Michael Tracey. It is contained in a clear plastic holder which fits into a green case with the bicentennial logo on its top and the legend ‘National / Science and Technology / Centre / 23 November 1988 / THE OFFICIAL / BICENTENNIAL / COMMEMORATIVE / MEDALLION’. This medal was presented to Boyce Pizzey, who represented Scienceworks at the opening.
Obverse Description
Near the centre a space from which a flagpole with the Australian flag rises, gathered around is a large crowd with more people coming from all directions; above, CELEBRATION OF A NATION; on the right rim in tiny letters the artist’s name, M.MESZAROS
Reverse Description
AUSTRALIAN BICENTENARY 1788 – 1988 Bicentennial logo in centre
Edge Description
Plain
Significance
For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.
More Information
Collection Names
Meszaros Medals Collection
Collecting Areas
Public Life & Institutions, Science & Measurement, Numismatics & Philately
Acquisition Information
Donation from Boyce Pizzey, 02 Dec 1988
Date Issued
1988 AD
Issued By
Australian Bicentennial Authority, Australia, 1988
Mint
Royal Australian Mint, Canberra, Greater Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 1988
Artist
Michael Meszaros, Kew, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1988
Designer
Michael Tracey, Maleny, Queensland, Australia, 1988
Presented To
Mr Boyce Pizzey – Museum Victoria, 1988
Organiser of Event
National Science & Technology Centre, Australia, 1988
Series
Australian Commemorative Medals
Material
Gold-plated
Axis
12
Classification
Medals, Commemorative, Bicentenary of australia
Category
History & Technology
Discipline
Numismatics
Type of item
Object
Dimensions
50 mm (Outside Diameter), 61.58 g (Weight)
Shape
Round
References
[Catalogue] Sharples, John P. 1990. Medals as Art: Australia and the Meszaros Tradition.
[Article] Jewell, Ray T. 1986. Michael Meszaros: The Man and his Medals. Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia. 2: 4-24.
Keywords
Australian Bicentenary, 1788-1988, Celebrations, Medals, Science & Technology Centres