Western Australian Sesquicentennial Medallion 1979

Metal: Silver

Weight: 35.00g

Diameter: 43mm

A truly limited edition medallion struck by the Perth Mint to mark 150 years of white settlement in West Australia.

1979 was a big year in Western Australia - WAY 1979, was the official 1979 sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) celebration of the establishment of the Swan River Colony, the first permanent European settlement in Western Australia.

The first WAY '79 event was a New Years Eve concert on the Perth Esplanade, attended by about 60,000 people.

One of the main events held under the patronage of WAY 1979 was the Miss Universe 1979 pageant, which was held in Perth.

Another major event was the visit of Prince Charles in March.

Numerous other events were staged under the WAY '79 banner, from yacht races to family reunions and street parties.

A twenty cent postage stamp was issued, and a range of merchandise was produced, from books to tea-towels.

By far the most valuable and enduring mementos from the occasion are the medallions struck by the Perth Mint, as part of their series of medallions in a range of metals.

This medal features the portrait of the first Governor of the Swan River Settlement, Captain James Stirling, on the obverse, and a pair of West Australian light Horsemen on the reverse.

This superb medallion was struck to specimen quality by the Perth Mint and features a frosted relief either side, as well as mirrored fields.

It contains no less than 35.00g of silver and has a mintage of just 15,000.

SKU: 16100