Fiftieth Anniversary King's Cup Rowing Medallion
Maker
Donald L Allnut
Date1969
Object number00037322
NameMedallion
MediumGilt bronze
DimensionsOverall: 63 x 4 x 63 mm, 0.12 kg
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe King's Cup has a central place in the Australian eight-oared championship. This gilt medallion was struck to celebrate its 50th anniversary. It features an embossed image of the Kings Cup surrounded by a banner featuring details of the cup in Bundaberg, Queensland in 1919.HistoryThe King's Cup is the name given to the intercolonial, and later interstate, Australian Rowing Championships first held in 1878. In 1921 the trophy won by the AIF crew at the Henley Peace Regatta became the perpetual trophy for the Interstate Eight Oared race in Australia.
The King's Cup has a special place in Australian rowing. To commemorate its importance this medallion was commissioned by the Australian Amateur Rowing Council for the Cup's 50th Anniversary. The King's Cup Jubilee Regatta was held at Bundaberg Queensland on the Burnett River on 25-26th April 1969. The Victorian team won the championship and each team member was given a medallion. One thousand of the medallions were struck so that interested members of the public could also purchase them (they were sold for five dollars).
SignificanceThis medallion is significant in documenting the history of the King's Cup which has been used as the trophy for the Australian Eight Oared Championship since 1920.
