The Dufferin Gold Medal Dalhousie, 1873

The Only Dufferin Gold Ever Graded

A founding artifact of Canada's oldest academic honour — struck in gold in 1873 by J.S. & A.B. Wyon of London, awarded at Dalhousie College & University, and preserved for 150 years in its original case of issue.

The Origin of Canada's Highest Student Honour

In 1873, the Earl of Dufferin — Canada's third Governor General after Confederation — instituted a medal to encourage excellence across the young Dominion. That award became the Governor General's Academic Medal, still presented today, and counted among its recipients are prime ministers, premiers, and Canada's most celebrated minds.

Gold was reserved for the university level. The dies were cut in London by J.S. & A.B. Wyon, Chief Engravers of Her Majesty's Seals, whose family name defines Victorian medallic art.

Rarity Beyond Precedent

Period research records just 14 gold medals issued bearing the 1873 date — and of all Dufferin-era golds awarded, only four are believed to survive. No example has reached the public market since a single offering at the 2017 Toronto Coin Expo.

This medal is edge-inscribed to its recipient, L.H. Jordan, awarded at Dalhousie College & University in 1875, and is accompanied by its original gilt-stamped Wyon presentation case. It is certified SP62 by PCGS — believed to be the only Dufferin gold ever graded.