Castillo de Chapultepec Medal. Bicentennial (1985)

This medal commemorates the bicentennial of Chapultepec Castle, whose construction was ordered by viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez in 1785 as a rest house atop the Chapultepec hill. Over time, the building housed the Military College, was the imperial residence of Maximilian and Carlota, a presidential seat during the Porfiriato, and is today the National Museum of History.

Adding two hundred years to 1785 confirms the date of 1985. The castle is one of the most history-laden monuments in the country, the setting of key episodes such as the defense of 1847.

Struck in gold, the piece celebrates this architectural emblem and its central place in the national memory.

The "Castillo de Chapultepec. Bicentenario" medal was struck in 1985. It is made of gold, measures 40.06 mm in diameter, and weighs 41.54 grams, minted in Mexico.

As a gold medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (41.54 grams). Above that, what pushes it higher is condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Castillo de Chapultepec. Bicentenario). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is gold; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Castillo de Chapultepec. Bicentenario," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, 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.