Banamex - California Commerce Bank Medal (1982)

This medal links the Banco Nacional de México (Banamex) with the California Commerce Bank, its subsidiary in the United States. Banamex, founded in 1884, was for more than a century one of the pillars of the Mexican financial system, and its expansion into the U.S. market through banks like this one reflected the growth of national banking beyond the borders.

The piece belongs to the commercial medals, corporate commissions with which financial institutions commemorated anniversaries, alliances, or business milestones.

The engraving is the work of Lorenzo Rafael, one of the most active Mexican medalists of the last third of the 20th century, present on numerous commemorative pieces for banks and companies.

The "Banamex - California Commerce Bank" medal was struck in 1982. It is made of silver, measures 45.71 mm in diameter, weighs 39 grams, and is the work of the engraver Lorenzo Rafael.

Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (39 grams). Above that, what drives the price up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Banamex - California Commerce Bank). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a mishandled one.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Banamex - California Commerce Bank," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it had them: they add collector value.

Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints.