Casa de Moneda de México Medal. 400th Anniversary (1936)

In 1936 the fourth centennial of the Mexico City Mint was commemorated, four hundred years since the mint founded in 1536 by order of viceroy Antonio de Mendoza. It was the first mint in the Americas and for centuries struck the famous Mexican silver that circulated throughout the entire world.

This bronze medal celebrates that anniversary of enormous numismatic significance. The Mexican Mint not only supplied coinage to the continent, but its silver reached as far as Asia, becoming a global benchmark currency during the viceregal era.

Engraved by M. N. Luna, the piece is doubly meaningful: it commemorates the institution that gave rise to Mexican numismatics and is at the same time a product of that very minting tradition. It is a testament to the pride in a monetary history unique in the world.

The "Casa de Moneda de México. 400 Aniversario" medal was struck in 1936. It is made of bronze, measures 38.07 mm in diameter and weighs 22.27 grams, the work of the engraver M. N. Lvna. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #490b.

As a bronze medal, its value does not come from the metal but from what it commemorates: the event it celebrates, its age (1910-to-present era), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what govern the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the subject and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. Commemorating "Casa de Moneda de México. 400 Aniversario" defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it ever 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.