Francisco García Medal (1844)

Silver medal dedicated to Francisco García, dated 1844, referring to Francisco García Salinas, the celebrated governor of Zacatecas known as "Tata Pachito."

García Salinas (1786-1841) was one of the great figures of Mexican federalism. As governor of Zacatecas he drove notable reforms: public education, the reopening of mines, a literary institute (the seed of today's university), and the organization of the state militia. He earned a reputation as a "model governor."

Struck a few years after his death, this piece pays homage to a politician remembered for his honesty and reformist vision. In a Zacatecas proud of its federalist and mining tradition, García Salinas became a symbol of good government, and the medals helped perpetuate his memory.

The Francisco García medal, struck in 1844, honors one of the key figures of Mexican federalism in the first half of the 19th century. Wrought in silver, at 35.37 millimeters in diameter and 26.96 grams in weight, it is a commemorative piece that draws the interest of both history collectors and lovers of the precious metal.

Because it is silver, its value has a clear floor: the fine-metal content of its 26.96 grams. 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 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 Francisco García, 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. For the collector, this medal is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, II #P-175a.