25th Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race medallion
Date1969
Object number00026857
NameMedallion
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 3 mm, 56 g, 51 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineGift from Don Triffett
DescriptionIn 1969 the Tasmanian Numismatics Society struck a medallion for the 25th Sydney- Hobart Yacht Race, the first of their commemorative issues. The obverse featured RANI the inaugural winner of the race and the reverse the emblem of the Tasmanian Numismatic Society. The medallions were manufactured in Melbourne by K G Luke.
All the medallions were sold within a week of being advertised in the Hobart Mercury newspaper and none were available by the time the race finished in Hobart.
Only 75 medallions were issued to subscribers in silver, and 225 in bronze and all were numbered on the edge. They were sold with a custom-made case in green leatherette, embossed with the Society's name in gold. The silver sold for $12.50 and the bronze for $5.00.
HistoryThe 1969 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race started with 79 yachts and was won on handicap by MORNING CLOUD owned and skippered by Edward Heath, British Opposition Leader, who became Prime Minister the following year.SignificanceThese commemorative medals reflect the popularity of the Sydney Hobart Yacht with the Australian public and its enduring appeal as Australia's premier blue water yacht race.
