Geronimo A. Gil and Fernando Mangino Medal. La Escuela de Bella (1881)

Bronze medal dedicated to Gerónimo A. Gil and Fernando Mangino by La Escuela de Bellas Artes in 1881, engraved by C. Ocampo.

Jerónimo Antonio Gil (1731-1798) was engraver and chief carver of the Royal Mint of Mexico, where he founded a school of engraving that, with the support of superintendent Fernando José Mangino, gave rise to the Real Academia de San Carlos, the first art academy in the Americas. Gil was its founder and first director.

This piece, the work of the Academy itself, pays homage to the two men who made it possible. It links numismatics with the fine arts in the most beautiful way: the Mint's engraver who founded Mexico's art school is here honored on a medal, closing a circle between the art of the die and artistic teaching.

The "Gerónimo A. Gil y Fernando Mangino. La Escuela de Bella" medal was struck in 1881. It is made of bronze, measures 55.9 mm in diameter and weighs 69.31 grams, the work of engraver C. Ocampo G.. In specialized catalogs it appears referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #P-179b.

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

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the subject and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Gerónimo A. Gil y Fernando Mangino. La Escuela de Bella," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and 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.