ITAM Medal. 50th Anniversary (1996)

This medal celebrates the 50th anniversary of ITAM, the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico, founded in 1946 by a group of bankers and industrialists led by Raúl Baillères, with the idea of making higher education the engine of the country's economic development.

Adding half a century onto 1946 confirms the date of 1996. A pioneer in the teaching of economics in Mexico, ITAM established itself as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in economic and administrative sciences.

Struck in gold, of good module and weight, the piece is an especially lavish anniversary issue, of the kind destined for collectors and high-level institutional gifts.

The "ITAM. 50 Aniversario" medal was struck in 1996. It is made of gold, measures 44 mm in diameter and weighs 48.38 grams, struck in Mexico.

Because it is a gold medal, its value has a floor: its precious-metal content (48.38 grams). Above that, what drives it higher is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (ITAM. 50 Aniversario). 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 gold; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "ITAM. 50 Aniversario," 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.