A rare 1860-dated McGill University gold medal designed by British medallist C.F. Carter topped its estimate at a U.S. auction this September.
The obverse depicts the right-facing bust of Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, with the legend “ALBERTUS EDVARDUS ARTIUM LIBERALIUM FAUTOR CANADA VISA D” and the 1860 year-date.
According to the Annual Calendar of McGill College & University, that year saw the Prince of Wales visit Canada, where he presented the school with a £200 endowment to create the “Prince of Wales Gold Medal.” Designed by Carter, who was responsible for several other McGill medals, this issue was intended for students of an honour course in “logic and mental and moral philosophy.”
The reverse features the university arms within a wreath composed of an oak and maple branch alongside the legend “UNIVERSITAS MCGILL MONTE REGIO.”
Accompanied by its original box, the 41-millimetre, 44.97-gram medal brought $3,120 US (about $4,200 Cdn.), including buyer’s premium.
The third-party grading service Numismatic Guaranty Company certified it as Uncirculated Details, noting “edge filing” on the holder.