Ciudad de México Medal. Real y Pontificia Universidad (1790)
Prices updated: August 2026
Silver · Proclamations and oath · 1790
Silver · Proclamations and oath · 1790
How much is the coin Ciudad de México Medal. Real y Pontificia Universidad (1790) worth?
The market value of the coin Ciudad de México Medal. Real y Pontificia Universidad (1790) is not yet documented with enough data to give a firm range. Weigh and measure your piece, compare it against the specifications, and check the forum for a second opinion.
The real price depends on four factors: the grade of preservation (a circulated piece is worth the low end of the range; an uncirculated one, or one still in its official blister pack, the high end), the finish (satin vs mirror/proof), the rarity within the series based on the mintage, and the metal spot price on the day of the deal when the piece is silver or gold. Check the value-by-grade table above and compare with equivalent pieces before buying or selling.
Where to buy or sell this coin?
Browse the national directory of numismatic shops or the community forum to trade directly with other collectors.
Historical context
This 1790 medal, engraved by Gerónimo Antonio Gil, commemorates the proclamation of Carlos IV by the Real y Pontificia Universidad de México, the oldest university institution in continental America, founded in 1551. After the death of Carlos III in 1788, each corporation of New Spain paid its own homage to the new king.
That the university struck its own medal, and that it was signed by the chief engraver of the Mint, shows the prestige of the faculty of doctors within the life of the viceroyalty. The institution trained the lettered, ecclesiastical, and legal elite that administered New Spain.
Gil, founder of the Academia de San Carlos, brought the neoclassical stamp and the mastery that distinguished his works. This piece unites two institutions of learning (the university and the academy) in a single object, a testament to the intellectual life of New Spain at the moment of swearing loyalty to its king.
Description
The "Ciudad de México. Real y Pontificia Universidad" medal was struck in 1790. It is made of silver, measures 44 mm in diameter and weighs 54.64 grams, the work of engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-36a.
Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious metal content (54.64 grams). Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Ciudad de México. Real y Pontificia Universidad). 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
- Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
- Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Ciudad de México. Real y Pontificia Universidad," which defines its historical interest.
- Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
- Look for the case and the certificate if it came with 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.
Value range of this piece
Value range without enough data for this piece.
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