Charlotte Medal

Struck by convict Thomas Barrett upon arriving in Botany Bay aboard Charlotte in January 1788, the medal is said to be the first work of Australian colonial art.

While at anchor, one of the ship's convicts, a forger and mutineer[2] by the name of Thomas Barrett was caught giving locals fake coins made from buckles, buttons, and spoons.

The inscription reads The Charlotte at anchor in Botany Bay Jan'y th.20.1788[1]The reverse of the medal is inscribed with a journal of the voyage.

It is possible that he presented it with his voyage findings, or it stayed with his family after his death, but at some point before 1919 it came into the possession of Princess Victoria and Prince Louis.

The medal was made for White's personal servant, William Broughton and omits the ship scene, being inscribed simply with an abridged version of the journey.