2019 Centenary of the Treaty of Versailles PNC

The Treaty of Versailles, signed on 28 June 1919, established the conditions of peace with Germany at the conclusion of World War I. The severe sanctions imposed on Germany contributed to the rise of National Socialism during the 1920s and 30s.

The treaty was the first major international agreement signed by the Commonwealth of Australia. For the allies, the treaty meant the start of official peace celebrations, most notably Peace Day, which occurred on Saturday 19 July 1919 and featured celebratory parades throughout the British Empire. However, not all were pleased with the celebratory tone: in some areas, ex-servicemen rioted – unhappy with the unemployment they faced, among other grievances.

Many commemorative medals were issued in 1919 to mark the peace process that formalised the World War I Armistice, including the School Children’s Peace Medal. The medal was issued to every child in Australia aged up to 14 years (and up to 16, where parents were in the armed forces). The medal was designed by sculptor Charles Douglas Richardson (1853–1932) and included the phrase “the triumph of liberty and justice”.

The Centenary of the Treaty of Versailles postal numismatic cover features a postage paid envelope with a coin from the Royal Australian Mint.

Limited Mintage of 7000