![Queensland, Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Exhibition, Gold Prize Medal [MTC1-12] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/12-3-2.jpg)
Description
Queensland, International Exhibition for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, Gold Prize Medal (50.91g, 45mm, 23ct), struck by Stokes & Sons 1897, un-awarded. Obverse: Crowned and Veiled Bust of Queen Victoria facing left, “DIAMOND JUBILEE” either side, outer legend around, “QUEENSLAND· INTERNATIONAL· EXHIBITION 1897”. Reverse: Laurel wreath surrounded inner legend, “AWARDED TO” above, maker “STOCKS & SONS” below. Carlisle-1897/9. Mint state.
Carlisle states that this piece was struck in 15ct and 12ct, with a mintage of 3 and 2 respectively. We feel that this was a mistake, as the likelihood of a 15ct medallion was low, thus we believe that the ‘12’ was an editing error and should read ‘22ct’ – our piece has been tested as a 23ct and thus corroborates with our line of thinking. Consequently, it is very likely only 2-3 pieces were struck in this carat, making this numismatic piece of exceptional rarity and commands profound desirability for the Australiana collectors. In recent times, it appears that only one other has sold by Noble Numismatics, realizing AU$4500 (AU$5490 with buyer’s premium).
