Ciudad de México Medal

This medal carries the theme of Mexico City and is classified among the personage pieces, which suggests that it combines the image of the capital with the effigy of some prominent figure connected to it. Mexico City, the country's capital since pre-Hispanic times, has been a recurrent theme in national medallic art.

The medals dedicated to the capital usually celebrated its history, its monuments, or figures tied to its public life. As the political and cultural center of the country, the city offered abundant motifs for homage in metal.

Cataloged by Grove and struck in gilt bronze by the engraver José M. Guerrero, it has no recorded year. Its value lies in the connection with the Mexican capital and in the urban and historical iconography that characterizes it, within the tradition of commemorative pieces of the city.

The "Ciudad de México" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of gilt bronze, measures 30.02 mm in diameter and 17.59 grams, the work of the engraver José M. Guerrero. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #F-36.

As a gilt bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from the commemorative side: the event it celebrates, its age (viceregal period), and demand among collectors of the theme. Preservation and the rarity of the issue are what drive the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is gilt bronze; its value depends on the theme and the preservation.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Ciudad de México," 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.