Lotería Nacional Medal. Christmas 1989 (1989)

This medal was issued by the Lotería Nacional on the occasion of Christmas 1989. The Lotería Nacional para la Asistencia Pública is one of the country's longest-lived institutions, with roots in the viceregal era, and throughout its history it has directed its resources to charitable works.

Christmas issues like this one accompanied seasonal drawings or served as an institutional year-end gift, adding the prestige of the Lotería to the December tradition.

Struck in silver, the piece belongs to the commemorative medals with a Christmas theme, of the kind that public bodies commissioned to distribute among colleagues and associates at that time of year.

The Lotería Nacional used to strike seasonal keepsakes, and this 1989 piece celebrates Christmas with a motif as Mexican as a piñata.

What it shows

The reverse bears a star piñata in full motion, with candy and fruit falling, the legend FELIZ NAVIDAD arched above, and the year 1989 at the foot. The obverse presents a child in a Christmas cap and scarf holding a bouquet of poinsettias; below reads LOTERIA NACIONAL, and on the cap's pom-pom appears the institution's small LN logo.

Context

The Lotería Nacional para la Asistencia Pública is one of Mexico's oldest institutions and usually ties its issues to notable dates. December is its star season because of the year-end draws, and medals like this one served as commemorative gifts around those dates.

Value and collecting

It is not legal tender nor does it carry a denomination: it is a commemorative silver medal. Its value is governed by the metal, condition, and how hard it is to put together a piece with such a Christmas theme. If you want to appraise or acquire it, compare in the stores directory and settle authenticity questions in the forum.