El Colegio de México Medal. 50th Anniversary (1990)

This medal commemorates the 50th anniversary of El Colegio de México, an institution born in 1940 from the Casa de España, the center created by President Lázaro Cárdenas to receive the Spanish intellectuals exiled by the Civil War. Under the direction of Alfonso Reyes and with Daniel Cosío Villegas on its board, it became one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Ibero-America.

Adding half a century to 1940 confirms the date of 1990. El Colmex established itself as a benchmark in the humanities and social sciences.

Struck in silver, the piece honors an institution that united the legacy of the Republican exile with Mexican academic excellence.

What it shows

The reverse, which is the main face, bears an enormous "50" with the word "AÑOS" set into it and the legend "EL COLEGIO DE MÉXICO" running along the top. Below appear the dates "1940 - 1990," which mark the half century the piece celebrates. The obverse shows in relief the El Colegio de México building, its modernist headquarters, also surrounded by the legend "EL COLEGIO DE MÉXICO."

Context

El Colegio de México was founded in 1940, heir to La Casa de España, which took in the Spanish Republican exile. In 1990 the institution marked 50 years as one of the most respected research and graduate-study centers in the humanities and social sciences in the country. This commemorative medal was struck for that anniversary.

Value and collecting

It is not legal tender: it is a commemorative medal, so its value is driven by the metal and the state of preservation, not a face value. It is struck in silver, weighs 37.36 g and measures 38 mm, which gives it a considerable silver content as a price floor. Pieces with intact mirror brilliance and no scratches are the ones that command the best prices. If you want to appraise or sell it, check the shops directory and share photos in the forum for a second opinion.