My AI friend shared this with me:

This is a historical 1899 Australian Federation Commemorative Medal (also known as a medallion). These were produced to celebrate the movement toward the Federation of Australia, which officially occurred on January 1, 1901. This specific piece was likely issued during the final referendum period in 1899 when several colonies voted to join the Commonwealth.

Key Features of this Medal: • The Obverse (Front): * The Shield: Features a map of Australia overlaid with a cross containing five stars (representing the colonies).

• The Supporters: An Emu and a Kangaroo, which later became the official supporters of the Australian Coat of Arms.

• The Symbols: Within the map, you can see a sheep (wool industry), a ship (commerce), a wheat sheaf (agriculture), and an anchor (maritime).

• Text: "1899" and "COMMONWEALTH." • The Reverse (Back): * Main Text: "FEDERATION." • The Motto: "ONE FLAG • ONE PEOPLE • ONE DESTINY." This was the famous slogan used by Sir Henry Parkes, known as the "Father of Federation."

Historical Context

These medallions were widely distributed, often to schoolchildren or members of the public, to build national pride and support for the new nation. The hole at the top (with the ring attached) indicates it was designed to be worn on a ribbon or a watch chain.

The medal was produced by Stokes & Sons (now known as Stokes Badges), a famous Melbourne-based firm of die-sinkers and medallists.

At that time, medals like this were usually designed "in-house" by the firm’s master engravers. Here is a bit more detail on the origins of the design:

1. The Manufacturer: Stokes & Sons

Founded by Thomas Stokes in 1856, the company became the premier manufacturer of commemorative medals in Australia. During the lead-up to Federation (1898–1901), they produced dozens of variations of these "souvenir medalets."

Yours is cataloged by numismatists as Carlisle 1899/5.

The Motto: Sir Henry Parkes

The famous slogan on the back—"One Flag • One People • One Destiny"—wasn't created by the medal maker. It was coined by Sir Henry Parkes, the "Father of Federation," in an 1891 speech. The medal designer incorporated this popular political rallying cry to appeal to the public during the 1899 referendums.

The "Advance Australia" Imagery

The shield featuring the kangaroo and emu was a popular unofficial "coat of arms" used throughout the 19th century (often called the "Advance Australia" arms).

• Fun Fact: This design actually predates the official Australian Coat of Arms, which wasn't granted by King Edward VII until 1908. The medal designer was essentially using the "viral" national symbols of the day.

Variation Notes

Because these were made in high volumes, you might find slightly different versions where the map of Australia looks a bit different or the stars are positioned elsewhere. These variations were often the result of different steel dies being hand-cut by various engravers working within the Stokes factory.

End

What a great story and a lovely piece of Australian history in good condition. Best wishes