Description:
Birmingham gold medal, 1919
Diameter 40mm
Medal struck to commemorate the end of the First World War. The obverse features the coat of arms for the City of Birmingham topped by a crown out of which protrudes an arm holding a hammer. To either side of the shield stand a male figure wearing an apron representing industry, and a female figure holding a palette and two brushes representing the arts. The banner underneath bears the motto of the city, 'FORWARD'. The inscription around the outside reads 'THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918/ BIRMINGHAM PEACE CELEBRATION'. The reverse features a winged female figure advancing and holding an olive branch in her right hand. The inscription above reads 'PAX VICTORIS', which translates as 'Peace through Victory'. A hole has been pierced in the top to allow for suspension. The ring holds a further ring attached to a red, white and blue ribbon that has a safety pin looped through it.