Gold (XRF’d at 21 carats). 31.71mm. 24.33g. Plain edge. Signed J.E. ELLIS & CO. TORONTO. The Trinity Gold Medal was awarded annually to the candidate who finished first in his or her class in the final examination. In this case, the medal was awarded to Charles MacKay. While the date is not present, we know from the university records that it was given in 1891 upon MacKay’s graduation.

A biography of Dr. Charles MacKay is provided in The Canadian Album, Volume I: Men of Canada, or Success by Example (1891):

CHARLES MACKAY, M.D., C.M., Seaforth, Ont., (nephew of Rev. Dr. MacKay, of the Presbyterian Mission, Formosa, China,) was born on the 16th of August, 1862, in McKillop township, Huron County. He received his education at the public and High schools, Seaforth, where he obtained a second-class certificate. He then taught for two years, after which he attended the Normal School, Toronto. After this he taught at Brucefield, at the same time taking up university work, and in 1884 was engaged in the High School, Seaforth, continuing there three years. In 1887 he entered Trinity Medical College, Toronto, graduating in 1891 with the highest honors. His career at college was a brilliant one, being gold medalist of his class, and valedictorian for 1891, and standing third at the final examination for the degree of M.D., C.M., Trinity University. At the annual dinner given by Trinity Medical College he was appointed chairman. On the strength of his splendid record at college, a tempting offer of a partnership, which he accepted, was made him by the skilful and now well-known Dr. J. G. Scott, whose portrait appears on the opposite page.

MacKay’s medal is perfectly preserved and free of hairlines (except a few light ones in the central reverse field) or other imperfections. The rich yellow-gold surfaces maintain tremendous reflectivity and contrast. A rare medal in any condition.