Description:
Birmingham medal, c. 1851
Diameter 38mm
Medal struck to celebrate the International Industrial Exhibition of 1851. The obverse features the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park which housed the exhibition with the inscription above, 'THE BUILDING AT LONDON FOR THE/ INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION/ 1851'. Below is an oval portrait of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert topped with a crown. To either side are cherubs one of which holds the cornucopia and a sheath of wheat, whilst the other holds the caduceus of the Roman God, Mercury, the protector of merchants. Between the two images is a dividing line bearing the name of the architect, J. Paxton Esq, and the makers of the medal, Allen & Moore of Birmingham. The reverse features an internal view of the Crystal Palace with the inscription 'EXPOSITION/ 1851', the name of Allen & Moore appears upon a dividng line on this side also.