1854 Products of New South Wales Silver Prize Medal
Celebrate a piece of Australia’s rich colonial heritage with this rare 1854 Products of New South Wales silver medal. Struck in London, this exquisite medallion was awarded as a first-class prize at an exhibition showcasing New South Wales’ finest offerings, selecting displays for the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1855.
Unlike typical hand-engraved colonial awards, this medal was precision-crafted using steel dies, reflecting early trends in British medallic art. Its obverse features allegorical figures inspired by the 1851 Great Exhibition medal, while the reverse uniquely captures the essence of Australian colonial landscapes, a departure from British precedents.
Only 48 of these medals were ever struck, making it an exceptionally rare collectible. With surfaces remarkably preserved in their original state, this medal is a tangible reminder of Australia’s ambition and prosperity during the 19th-century exhibition era. A timeless artifact, perfect for history and numismatic enthusiasts alike.