Concurso de Arquitectura Medal (1898)

Architecture enjoyed a notable flourishing during the Porfiriato, an era of great public buildings that sought to give Mexico the face of a modern, civilized nation. Architecture competitions stimulated talent and spread the European styles then in vogue.

This large silver medal of 1898 commemorates an Architecture Competition, in keeping with the building drive of Porfirio Diaz's regime. Palaces, theaters, schools, and monuments rose across the country as signs of material progress.

Engraved by E. Moral, the piece documents the prestige of architecture in Porfirian culture. It bears witness to the artistic and technical climate that produced many of the emblematic buildings that still give character to Mexican cities today.

The Concurso de Arquitectura Medal of 1898 is a commemorative silver piece that celebrates recognition of architectural excellence in late-19th-century Mexico. At 60.2 millimeters in diameter and 90.59 grams in weight, it is an object of notable heft, the work of the engraver E. Moral, whose craftsmanship makes it one of those medals that combine artistic value and historical interest.

Being silver, its value has a clear floor: the precious-metal content of its 90.59 grams. Above that, what pushes it higher is condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear, natural patina, and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled or harshly cleaned.

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 the Concurso de Arquitectura, 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. For the collector, this medal is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, II #333a.