Colegio San Francisco de Borja Medal

This school medal belongs to the Colegio San Francisco de Borja, one of the educational institutions of religious tradition that in Mexico rewarded their students with merit distinctions. The name refers to San Francisco de Borja, a prominent figure of the Society of Jesus.

These schools awarded medals for achievement and conduct at solemn ceremonies, part of the custom of publicly recognizing student effort. The pieces were usually struck in silver and bore the institution's name, which today makes them testimonies of the era's education.

Cataloged by Grove among the school pieces and struck in silver by the engraver S. Navalón, it has no recorded year. Its value lies in the connection to a specific school and in the iconography of academic recognition characteristic of Mexican educational medals.

The "Colegio San Francisco de Borja" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of silver, measures 30.26 mm in diameter and weighs 9.84 grams, the work of engraver S. Navalón G.. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #S-151a.

Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious metal content (9.84 grams). Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Colegio San Francisco de Borja). 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 silver; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Colegio San Francisco de Borja," which 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 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.