Medallion No 25

1990

75th Anniversary of

Anzac Landings at Gallipoli

            

This medallion was issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the landings at Anzac Cove on Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 during World War I.

This medal was designed by Terry Pepperell and struck by the Hafner Mint at Eltham (an outer suburb of Melbourne).

This 38 mm diameter medallion was struck in four metals:

¨                 Florentine copper (200 pieces)

¨                 Gilt copper (100 pieces)

¨                 Sterling silver (18 pieces)

¨                 18ct gold (1 piece)

¨                 Plain copper (125 pieces) – these were extra pieces struck for presentation to the surviving veterans; 59 pieces were given to the veterans who made a return pilgrimage to Anzac Cove in 1990 and a number of pieces were given to other veterans.

The obverse design features the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 and their climb up the cliffs under fire from defending Turkish troops.

The reverse features Private John Simpson and his donkey.  Private Simpson was a member of the 3rd Field Ambulance and became famous for bringing wounded men from the front lines to the beach with his donkey.  Private Simpson was killed on 19 May 1915.

 

 

 

Last updated 4 September 2007