Banco de México Medal. 1 Peso Banknote

This commercial medal of the Bank of Mexico reproduces the motif of a one-peso banknote, in a numismatic nod to the history of Mexican paper money. The central bank, founded in 1925, has the exclusive authority to issue the national currency, and pieces like this celebrate that link with the history of the banknote.

The one-peso banknote was for a long time one of the most common and recognizable denominations in the country. Recreating it on a commemorative medal is a way of honoring the tradition of paper money and the work of the issuing bank.

Cataloged by Grove among the commercial and institutional issues and minted in silver, of large format, it has no recorded year. Its value lies at the crossroads between notaphily and medallic art, and in the fine metal content of the piece.

The "Banco de México. Billete de 1 peso" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of silver, measures 65.5 mm in diameter and 31.1 grams, struck in Mexico.

Being a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (31.1 grams). Above that, what drives it up is preservation, the short size of the issue, and interest in the theme it commemorates (Banco de México. Billete de 1 peso). A piece with no wear and with its original case is worth considerably more than a handled 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 "Banco de México. Billete de 1 peso," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the preservation. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with 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.