A la Juventud Estudiosa Medal

This school medal was awarded as a distinction a la juventud estudiosa (to studious youth), one of the most recurrent legends on academic prizes of 19th-century Mexico. It was given to outstanding students at recognition ceremonies, within the custom of publicly rewarding effort in study.

These pieces were part of a deep-rooted culture of educational merit. The medal was at once honor and keepsake, and many were struck in silver with allegories of knowledge and diligence.

Cataloged by Grove among the school pieces and worked in silver by the engraver C. Ocampo, it has no registered year. Its value lies in the testimony of the educational practices of the era and in the symbolic language with which diligent young people were celebrated.

What it shows

A small silver medal, with a suspension loop for hanging, heavily circulated. The reverse (the face you see first) has the legend "D. 1811" engraved within a laurel wreath, with abbreviated lines above and below now heavily worn. The obverse bears a dedication over several lines that can be made out as "R. C. DE LOS RIOS A SUS ALUMNOS DE TLACOT[E]PEC", that is, an award given by a teacher or academy to their students.

Context

It is a school-award piece, not legal tender. The word "alumnos" on the medal itself places it among the so-called student-merit medals, a common use in Mexico since the early 19th century. The heavy wear indicates it was worn hanging for years. We found no public record documenting this particular piece, so we rely on what the medal itself says.

Value and collecting

It is not circulating currency: its value depends on condition, silver content, and historical interest in educational medals. On a piece this worn, every legible letter counts. If you want to appraise or sell it, check the shop directory and discuss it with other collectors on the forum.