Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes Medal. Al Merito (1873)

Bronze medal of the National Exhibition of Fine Arts, awarded for merit in 1873 and engraved by S. Navalón.

The Academy of San Carlos, heir to the Royal Academy founded in the 18th century, organized fine-arts exhibitions that became an obligatory event in Mexican cultural life. In them the most distinguished artists in painting, sculpture, and engraving were awarded.

This merit piece recognized artistic excellence at those competitions. It documents the flourishing of the fine arts during the Restored Republic, when Mexico was consolidating a national school of painting with figures who would bring prestige to the country. Exhibition medals were a prized award for the artists of the era.

The "Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes. Al mérito" medal was struck in 1873. It is made of bronze, measures 46.07 mm in diameter and weighs 41.32 grams, the work of the engraver S. Navalón G.. In the specialized catalog it appears referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #E-95b.

As a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from the commemorative: the event it celebrates, its age (1821-1910 period), and demand among collectors of the theme. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what drive the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the theme and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes. Al mérito," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh 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.