Medal - Centenary of Government of Victoria & the Discovery of Gold, Australia, c1951. 
64mm 
Bronze 
English mint
Only 102 were made  
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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.

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. This medal was presented to H.V. MacLeod, MLC and features on the reverse a design of a banksia and bottlebrush. There was another version of this medal which depicted a pair of gold prospectors on the reverse.
Obverse:
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:
Stake supporting plant; above, CENTENARY OF GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA 1851 - 1951; inscribed, The Honble H.V.MacLeod M.L.C. / for Western Province. / 1951'. Artist's initials to left of stake.
Edge:
Plain
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For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.