1934-35 Australian KGV Melbourne Centenary Florin – aUnc/gEF

The Melbourne Centenary Florin, 1934–35

A Coin for a City’s Birthday

The Melbourne Centenary Florin commemorates two important milestones: the centenary of Victoria’s first European settlement in 1834 and the foundation of Melbourne in 1835. The celebrations ran from October 1934 into June 1935, with more than 300 events taking place across Victoria. Consequently, the centenary became a huge public spectacle during a difficult period of economic depression.

The silver two-shilling florin carries King George V on the obverse, while the reverse features a rider holding a flaming torch. Around him appears the inscription “CENTENARY VICTORIA MELBOURNE 1934–35”. George Kruger Gray designed the reverse, while Percy Metcalfe created the King’s portrait. Furthermore, the Melbourne Mint struck 75,000 examples, although 21,595 remained unsold and later went for melting.

Celebrations and the Great Air Race

Meanwhile, Melbourne dressed itself for the occasion with decorated streets, exhibitions, sporting events, parades and public festivities. However, the most spectacular event involved something considerably faster than a horse-drawn carriage: the MacRobertson International Air Race.

In October 1934, twenty aircraft left Mildenhall, England, for Melbourne, covering approximately 18,240 kilometres. Competitors stopped at Baghdad, Allahabad, Singapore, Darwin and Charleville before reaching Australia. British pilots C.W.A. Scott and Tom Campbell Black won the speed section in their de Havilland DH.88 Comet, arriving at Flemington Racecourse after roughly 71 hours.

Legacy

Ultimately, the florin captured the optimism and ambition of the celebrations. It commemorated Melbourne’s past, while the air race dramatically advertised its future. In other words, Melbourne celebrated its first hundred years with a silver coin in one hand and an aeroplane racing across the world in the other—hardly a quiet birthday party.

Certificate of Authenticity

We guarantee the authenticity and grade on our products, unless stated otherwise.

All ancient coins are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

In the rare incident you are dissatisfied with an item you purchase from us, simply return it within 7 days (Within Australia) 14 Days (International) and we provide you with a replacement or issue you a refund in full.

Not available

Postage Methods within Australia.

We ship Australia wide using registered signed for delievery

Orders under AUD$199 are sent registered signed for mail

Orders above AUD$200 are sent express signed for mail

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship items overseas, using a number of services. Orders under AUD$199 are automatically sent via international registered mail. Items greater than AUD$200 are sent via Express Courier International service.

Tracking & Proof of Shipment

All shipping and tracking information is provided upon time of despatch.