Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes Medal

This medal belongs to the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, Mexico's historic institution of artistic instruction, heir to the old Academia de San Carlos founded in the 18th century. The school trained generations of painters, sculptors, engravers, and architects, and was a central reference point for national art.

As an academic institution, it struck medals to reward the merit of its students or as an insignia, within the tradition of recognizing artistic talent. The piece reflects the weight of fine-arts training in Mexican culture.

Struck in silver and of reduced format, it has no recorded year. Its value lies in the link to one of the country's most important artistic institutions and in the academic iconography that characterizes these awards.

The "Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of silver, measures 25.36 mm in diameter and 6.19 grams.

As a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (6.19 grams). Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was and interest in the theme it commemorates (Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes). A piece without wear and with its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been tampered with.

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 "Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes," 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 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.