Antique 1876 Canadian Governor General Dufferin Bronze Medal By Wyon
Code: 19002
£725.00 Approx $909.66, €844.99, £725
(1 in stock)
(1 in stock)
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For sale is an Exceptionally Rare Antique 1876 Canadian Governor General Dufferin Bronze Medal Maker Marked J.S&A.B Wyon Sc. This medal is engraved on the rim “To Mr F.Nowell”. This is beautifully detailed and in excellent condition.
Obverse: Jugate portraits of Lord and Lady Dufferin facing right. The legends reads: EARL OF DUFFERIN K.P. K.C.B. G.C.M.G. GOV. GEN. OF CANADA * COUNTESS OF DUFFERIN * 1876*
Reverse: Dufferin coat of arms surrounded by the inscription PRESENTED BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR GENERAL. The Latin motto PER VIAS RECTAS (“By Right Ways”) appears on a scroll below the shield.
Offered here is an example of the 1876 Lord Dufferin Governor General medal in bronze. The Governor General medal for excellence in academic and athletic achievement was founded in late-1873 to early-1874 by the Earl of Dufferin, the Queen’s representative in Canada and the third Governor General, as a means of fostering scholarship and competition across the Dominion. Academic medals were awarded to top graduates at the high school, college, and university levels. Gold medals were reserved for universities, while silver and bronze pieces were presented at the high school and college levels.
Two types of Dufferin Governor General medals exist. The Type of 1873 was the first one struck by the famous Wyon family in England. These were given out from 1873 to 1875 and possibly 1876. Slight modifications were made to the portraits in 1876. The second type was used from 1876 though 1878 – the end of Lord Dufferin’s tenure as Governor General. Under 50 bronze medals were ever issued.
This is an exceptionally important piece of early Canadian academic history. This measures 58mm In diameter. Please note that a silver Dufferin medal recently sold for just over £2000.
This will be sent via Royal Mail special delivery and dispatched within two working days.
