Fiftieth Anniversary King's Cup Rowing medallion, 1969
Date1969
Object number00026397
NameMedallion
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 63 x 4 mm, 107 g
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection
HistoryThe King's Cup is the name given to the Australian Men's Eight Rowing Championship. Although eight-oared races were first held in 1878, the King's Cup trophy originally won by the AIF crew at the Henley Peace Regatta in 1919 did not become the Men's Eight perpetual trophy until 1920.
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).SignificanceThese items are examples of awards and commemorative medallions struck for Australian aquatic sporting events between 1905 and 1969.
