Stokes 1956 'Stokes 100 Years of Progress' Medal

This medal was struck in 1956 to commemorate the centenary of Stokes and Sons, one of Victoria’s most prominent private mints. Founded in 1857 by Thomas Stokes—who acquired a press shipped to Melbourne during the early gold rush—Stokes went on to produce many of the state’s most notable commemorative medals.

The reverse of this centenary medal was designed by renowned sculptor and medallist Andor Meszaros, best known for creating the iconic reverse of Australia’s 1967 Swan Pattern Dollar. His design here features a man at a lathe, symbolising craftsmanship, with a backdrop of industrial, agricultural, transport, and domestic scenes—capturing a century of Victorian progress and pride.

Minted in Victoria by Stokes and Sons, this piece reflects not only a milestone for the company but also the artistic legacy of one of Australia’s most celebrated coin designers.

Note: the previous owner of this medal alleged that it was recovered from a house fire, hence some of black markings.