Historical information
The ANZAC Day medallion was issued for sale in 1916. The medallion was struck by the Education Department of Victoria for school children in 1916, to commemorate the first anniversary of the ANZAC Forces landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.
An article in the ARGUS newspaper, written at the time, stated that the medallions were issued for sale for the price of sixpence. Although 175,000 medallions were made, this proved insufficient for demand. The medallion was sold to Victorian school children at commemorations of the landing of the of the Australian and New Zealand troops arriving on the Gallipoli Peninsular in 1915.
The medallion was also distributed to the public on ANZAC Button Day for one shilling.
Physical description
Circular medal with an eyelet at the top for attaching loop holding ribbon (loop and ribbon missing).
Obverse ... head of King George V facing left
Reverse ... wreath surrounding inscription (see below)
The edge of the medallion is plain.
Inscriptions & markings
Obverse ...
FOR KING AND COUNTRY 1916
Reverse ...
ANZAC (surrounded by wreath)
DEPT. OF EDUCATION VICTORIA
LEST WE FORGET 25 APR 15 (around circumference)
References
- Museums Victoria Further description and background details