1960 Ano de la Patria Medal (1960)

This gold medal celebrates 1960, Year of the Nation, the official designation with which Adolfo Lopez Mateos's government commemorated the 150th anniversary of Independence and the 50th of the Mexican Revolution.

That double year was among the great civic celebrations of the twentieth century. It marked a century and a half since the Grito de Dolores of 1810 and half a century since the start of the Revolution in 1910, two of the nation's founding movements. The program included public works, solemn ceremonies, and numerous commemorative issues.

Cataloged by Grove as 753, this gold piece is among the major issues of that anniversary. The Mexico City Mint was in charge of these strikes, which left a record in metal of a year especially laden with patriotic symbolism.

What it shows

This gold-colored medal has on the obverse the Piedra del Sol, the well-known Aztec calendar, at the center. Around it runs the engraved legend "I.C.P.T.M. - C.C.P.M." and below the word "MÉXICO." The reverse, within a border of pearls, reads exactly: "SEGUNDA CONFERENCIA INTERAMERICANA DE CONTABILIDAD EN LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 1951."

Context

Important note: the listing is registered as "1960 Año de la Patria," but the piece in the photo is another. What is seen in the metal is a commemorative medal of a public accountants' congress held in Mexico City in 1951. The engraved date is 1951, not 1960. Until this is clarified, it is best to go by what the medal itself says and not by the title of the listing.

Value and collecting

It is not legal-tender currency; it never circulated as money: it is a commemorative medal. Its value depends on the metal, the actual weight, and above all the state of preservation. At 41.21 g in weight and 37.05 mm in diameter, always verify metal and fineness before appraising. Looking to buy, sell, or ask for an opinion? Start with the store directory and comment on your piece in the forum.