The Dufferin Medal was a Canadian award instituted in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin — Canada's third Governor-General who served in that role from 1872 to 1878. The Dufferin Medal was an official British commendation to Canadian students and athletes who had achieved high excellence in academics and athletics. Lord Dufferin and Lady Dufferin presented the medals to honorees, annually, through the end of their appointment in 1878. Dufferin Medals were the forerunner to Governor General's Awards. While gold, silver, and bronze denoted first, second, and third, acknowledgement in biographies often only reference the "Dufferin Medal". Gold medals in proficiency categories — where competition was not involved — were rarely awarded.