Instituto Politecnico Nacional Medal (1991)

This medal relates to the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), created by decree of President Lázaro Cárdenas on January 1, 1936. Born with a vocation to bring technical and scientific education to the children of workers and farmers, the Polytechnic became one of the pillars of the country's public education.

Under the coordination of figures such as Juan de Dios Bátiz and Luis Enrique Erro, the IPN drove the training of engineers and technicians for Mexico's industrial development.

Struck in silver in 1991, the piece belongs to the institutional medals tied to this educational center, of the kind issued to commemorate its trajectory and its role in the nation's science and technology.

The medal that commemorates two Politécnico anniversaries in the same year: the 55th of the Institute and the 75th of its ESIME.

What it shows

The obverse bears the IPN logo inside a gear, with the legend "SEP" and "MÉXICO 1991." Around it reads "LA TÉCNICA AL SERVICIO DE LA PATRIA · DEL INSTITUTO POLITECNICO NACIONAL · LV ANIVERSARIO." The reverse is dedicated to ESIME: a building, a gear, and the "ESIME" logo, with the date "1916-1991," the number "LXXV," and the legend "ESCUELA SUPERIOR DE INGENIERIA MECANICA Y ELECTRICA." The outer ring names the four campuses: "ATZCAPOTZALCO · CULHUACAN · TICOMAN · ZACATENCO."

Context

The IPN was founded in 1936 and adopted as its motto "La técnica al servicio de la patria." ESIME is its oldest engineering school, with roots in 1916. The piece joins the 55th anniversary of the Institute and the 75th of ESIME, both celebrated in 1991.

Value and collecting

It is not legal-tender currency, so it has no face value. What matters is the metal (a silver piece of 33.56 g and 42 mm) and the condition: knocks, scratches, and aggressive cleanings lower the price. If you want to buy or sell it, check the shops directory and compare before closing. For authenticity or price questions, the forum is a good place to ask.