Rumford Medal of the Royal Society: discontinued specimen This medal was founded by Count Rumford in 1796, and is awarded biennially for the most important discoveries in heat or light during the preceding two years. The medal is struck in gold and in silver. This type was discontinued by order of the Council of the Society, Jan. 15, 1863, and on the recommendation of the Master of the Mint Obverse: a tripod, surmounted by a flame.