Founded in 1829

Although Europeans had contact with the west coast of the ‘Great Southern Land’ from the 17th century, European settlement did not take place until the 19th century. Indeed, it was not until May of 1829 that Britain’s Swan River Colony – renamed Western Australia in 1832 – was formally established. Celebrations were held for the centenary of Western Australia in  1929, and included the issue of the 1929 Western Australia Centenary Medal.

The 1929 Western Australia Centenary Medal

An iconic element Australian numismatics, the 1929 Western Australia Centenary Medal was struck at the Perth Mint. The obverse carries the portrait of George V by Australian artist Sir Bertram Mackennal – so well known from its employment upon Australian coinage from 1911 to 1936. The reverse carries George Kruger Gray’s distinctive, vigorous portrayal of a Black Swan, one of Western Australia’s most powerful symbols. Spanning an imposing 38mm, the 1929 Western Australia Centenary Medal is presented in Very Fine to Extremely Fine.