Constitution of 1857 Medal. First Centennial (1957)

This medal in gold commemorates the first centennial of the Constitution of 1857, promulgated on February 5 of that year during the government of Ignacio Comonfort.

The Constitution of 1857 synthesized the ideals of the liberal reform driven by figures such as Benito Juárez and Melchor Ocampo. It established individual guarantees, separated the Church from the State, and abolished ecclesiastical and military privileges, laying the foundations of the modern secular State. Its promulgation set off the War of Reform.

Cataloged by Grove as 698, this gold piece celebrates in 1957 the hundred years of that founding document of Mexican liberalism. Striking the centennial of the 1857 Charter in precious metal underscored its historical weight. The Mexico City Mint was responsible for this commemorative issue.

The medal of the First Centennial of the Constitution of 1857, struck in gold in 1957, celebrates one of the founding documents of modern Mexico. With its 41.7 grams of gold and 37 millimeters in diameter, it is a commemorative piece of both historical and material weight, prized by those who collect patriotic Mexican medals.

Since it is gold, its value starts from a clear floor: the precious-metal content. Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates. 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 the Constitution of 1857 on its first centennial, 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 ever 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 #698.