Independence Medal (1893)

Independence was the great founding myth that the Porfiriato cultivated with care. Porfirio Díaz tied his regime to the memory of the heroes of 1810, presenting himself as the continuator of the national project begun by Hidalgo and consummated by Iturbide.

This bronze medal of 1893 commemorates the independence struggle, in a Mexico where the September patriotic festivities were the great civic ritual of the year. The September celebrations, increasingly elaborate, reinforced national identity and the figure of the president.

The piece documents that cult of Independence that permeated Porfirian public life. It is a testament to the political use of historical memory, which years later would culminate in the lavish festivities of the Centennial of 1910.

The Independence medal of 1893 is a commemorative bronze piece celebrating one of Mexico's founding moments, much appreciated among collectors of 19th-century historical subjects. Its large format, nearly five centimeters, makes it a display object as attractive as it is significant.

As a bronze medal, its value does not come from the metal but from the commemorative: the event it celebrates, its age within the 1821-1910 era, and demand among those who collect patriotic pieces. Condition and the rarity of the issue rule the price. It is struck in bronze, measures 49.13 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 57.11 grams.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the subject and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates Independence, which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleanings, 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 #290b.