Historical information

Medal commemorating the Centenary of Government of Victoria and the Discovery of Gold, commissioned by the Victorian Government. Designed by Andor Mészáros and minted by K.G. Luke, Melbourne, 1951 marked the centenary of Victoria's separation from the colony of New South Wales. As part of the celebrations, the Victorian Government commissioned this medal from Andor Meszaros. Drawing on his classical background, Mészáros developed the imagery for 'Equality and Justice through Freedom'. The man holding the torch represents equality; the blindfolded woman holding a sword is the symbol of justice, and both are mounted on a horse that has broken its shackles.

Physical description

Obverse Description
Horse bounding left, broken shackles on foreleg, carrying woman holding sword and man holding torch; around, EQUALITY AND JUSTICE THROUGH FREEDOM Artist's name behind horse's tail

Reverse Description
Stake supporting plant; above, CENTENARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; inscribed, CENTENARY OF GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; Artist's initials to left of stake.

Edge Description
Plain

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse Description: Equity and Justice Through Freedom
Reverse Description: Centenary of the Government of Victoria 1851 - 1951; inscribed, Presented to the / Shire of Strathfieldsaye/ 1951