Historical information

This medal was made by W.J.Amor Mint, a medal making company from New South Wales. It was made to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Canberra in 1963 and the Royal Visit of 1963. Because of the rivalry between the two major Australian cities, Melbourne and Sydney, it was decided to establish a new capital city somewhere between the two cities. The Australian capital Territory was established in 1913 and the American architect, Walter Burley Griffin, in association with his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, was chosen to design the new city of Canberra. The first Parliament House was opened in 1927 and Melbourne ceased to be the location of the Federal Parliament meetings.

Significance

This medal is of interest, mainly because it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first Parliament House in Canberra and the establishment of Canberra as Australia's capital city.

Physical description

Circular brass medal with ring attached at the top and a split ring through the ring. The obverse features a raised profile of Queen Elizabeth 11 wearing a crown and text.
The reverse depicts old Parliament House, decorative leaves and text.

Inscriptions & markings

THE ROYAL VISIT OF HM. QUEEN ELIZABETH 11. 1963.
JUBILEE OF CANBERRA 1913-1963 AUSTRALIA 1788-1963