19th century Australian exhibition medal, Ricketty Dick portrait by Hogarth

A charming exhibition medal struck in the last quarter of the 19th century for one of a variety of exhibitions around New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The portrait is of an Aboriginal Man who was known as 'Ricketty Dick', below inscribed 1878. He was familiar to people who travelled along the New South Head Road to Watson's Bay, in Sydney. Born around 1798, he camped on dry ground amongst the swamps of Rose Bay, near the site of the current Lyne Park.

The portrait on the obverse was cut by Julius Hogarth for Stokes and Martin in 1872. The reverse shows an Australian shield and the inscription “Struck at the Exhibition Mint”.

Price marked at $160 AUD.

Measurements: 2.4cm medal diameter.

Excellent antique condition.