Historical information

This commemorative medal was distributed to Victorian school children to celebrate the coronation of King George VI in 1937. It was often issued with a patriotic red, white and blue ribbon.

King George VI became king unexpectedly because his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in December 1936.

As the Duke and Duchess of York , King George VI and Queen Elizabeth had visited Australia and New Zealand in 1927 primarily to open the provisional Parliament House in Canberra. Their tour also served as a show of gratitude for the sacrifices made by the Dominions during World War I and to strengthen ties between Australia and the British Empire.

Part of their journey from Canberra to Melbourne was onboard the Royal Train which travelled through Wodonga and was reported in the Argus.

Argus, Wednesday 11 May 1927, page 19
"The Royal train will leave Albury, according to the railway time table arrangements at 9.54 a.m. and Wodonga at 9.20. Principal towns on the route to Melbourne will be passed as follows:- Wangaratta 10.10; Benalla 11.16; Seymour 12.45; and Spencer street 2.50. From Albury the Sydney express which leaves at 20 minutes past 8 o'clock will be used as the pilot train for the Royal train."

Significance

This medal is significant because it represents the Coronation of King George VI which was of importance to the majority of Wodonga residents. His Majesty had paseed through Wodonga by train in 1927.

Physical description

A gilt brass, double-sided, circular medal struck to celebrate the Coronation of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth on 12th May 1937.
The obverse features the conjoined crowned portraits of the King and Queen facing left.

The centre of the reverse displays the official Coat of Arms of the State of Victoria with the word 'VICTORIA' above and the motto 'PEACE AND PROSPERITY' below.

There is an attached metal loop and split ring at the top edge. A ribbon would have been inserted through the ring to enable it to be hung or worn.

Inscriptions & markings

On the obverse side:
'KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH' around the upper circumference of the medal.
The maker's details appear at the bottom.

On the reverse:
Around the edge of the medal 'TO COMMEMORATE THEIR MAJESTIES' CORONATION MAY 12TH 1937'.