Coins and Historical Medals

Australia, Intercolonial Exhibition, Melbourne, 1875, Philadelphia, 1876, a silver award medal by Stokes and Martin, two figures leaning on globe, rev. legend within wreath, edge named (James T. Fallon), 179.88g, 69mm (C. 1876/6). Very fine, several edge bruises £200-£260

James Thomas Fallon was born 1823 to James, farmer, and Margaret Norton. Fallon was a pioneering figure in the Australian wine industry. He arrived in Albury in 1854 and, with his brother Patrick, established a general store in Kiewa Street, south of Dean Street. He established the Murray Valley Vineyard in 1858 and being an active member in the community, he was elected mayor at Albury’s first council meeting in 1859. Fallon exported wine to England, America, India, Ceylon and New Zealand. Prizes included Vienna in 1873 and London in 1875, Bordeaux in 1882. He manufactured the first champagne from Australian grapes in 1876.