Cuernavaca Medal. Society of Artisans (1870)

Silver medal of the Sociedad de Artesanos de Cuernavaca, dated 1870, within the rise of Mexican mutualism.

In the second half of the 19th century, artisans of various cities grouped into mutual-aid societies to protect themselves against illness, old age, or death, in the absence of any public social-security system. Cuernavaca, capital of Morelos and center of a rich agricultural region, had its own artisans' society.

These medals identified the members and reinforced the sense of belonging. The piece reflects how mutualism spread beyond the large cities, taking root in mid-sized towns and laying the foundations for the organization of Mexican workers.

The "Cuernavaca. Sociedad de Artesanos" medal was struck in 1870. It is made of silver, measures 29.9 mm in diameter, and weighs 7.86 grams.

Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (7.86 grams). Above that, what drives the price up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Cuernavaca. Sociedad de Artesanos). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a mishandled one.

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 "Cuernavaca. Sociedad de Artesanos," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with a 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.