Medal - 25th Anniversary Territory Day Australian Sovereignty over Christmas Island
1983 year| Silver | - | 46 mm |
| Location | Australia |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Medals › Commemorative medals |
| Year | 1983 |
| Composition | Silver |
| Diameter | 46 mm |
| Thickness | 5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-11-12 |
| Numista | N#431767 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Map of Christmas Island with Coordinates 105.35E 10.35S
Script: Latin
Lettering:
25th ANNIVERSARY
CHRISTMAS ISLAND
AUSTRALIAN
SOVEREI
Edge
Plain
Comment
The Australian and New Zealand governments purchased the Christmas Island Phosphate Company in 1949, and administrative responsibility for the island shifted from the UK to the British colony of Singapore.
But with Britain giving up many of its colonies after the war, Australia expressed an interest in acquiring Christmas Island. In 1958, the island was excised from Singapore and sovereignty was transferred to Australia. As part of the transfer, Australia paid Singapore £2,800,000 as compensation for lost phosphate revenue.
Christmas Island became an Australian territory on 1 October 1958 – a day still celebrated on the island as Territory Day.
Interesting fact
This commemorative medal was issued to celebrate Australia's sovereignty over Christmas Island, which occurred on October 10, 1958. The medal features a design depicting the island's landscape and flora, symbolizing the country's claim over the territory. It serves as a historical artifact representing Australia's expansion beyond its mainland borders during the Cold War era.
