Description:
English medal, c.1851
Diameter 51mm
Medal struck to celebrate the Great Exhibition of 1851. The obverse features the busts of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with the inscription 'QUEEN VICTORIA &/ PRINCE ALBERT' within a medal collar. At the base of the medal collar are the thistle, rose and shamrock representing Scotland, England and Ireland, interlaced over the top of the caduceus to the left and a trident to the right. At the top, partially obscured by a pierced hole, is a crown over two crossed septres resting on a cushion. Around the outside is a wreath of laurel to the left and oak to the right. The reverse features a view of the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, which housed the exhibition, with the inscription 'THE INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION/ LONDON/ 1851'. Across the middle is a dividing line bearing the name of the makers 'ALLEN & MOORE BIRM' (Birmingham). Below is a description of the Crystal Palace including its design, dimensions and value.