Mariano Arista Medal (1881)

Bronze medal dedicated to Mariano Arista in 1881, engraved by C. Ocampo, in tribute to the soldier and president of Mexico.

Mariano Arista (1802-1855) was a career soldier and held the presidency of the Republic between 1851 and 1853, one of the few leaders of the first half of the nineteenth century to come to power by electoral means. He commanded the Mexican forces in the first battles of the war against the United States, at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. He died in exile.

Struck decades after his death, this piece pays tribute to his figure within the pantheon of characters of national history. It documents how the medal-making of the Porfiriato recovered the memory of past presidents and soldiers, integrating them into the civic narrative of the nation.

The Mariano Arista medal, struck in 1881, honors the memory of one of the military men and presidents who marked Mexico's turbulent 19th century. It is a commemorative bronze piece, elegant and of good size, much appreciated by those who collect the country's historical medals.

Crafted by engraver C. Ocampo G., it measures 45.99 millimeters in diameter and weighs 47.67 grams. Being bronze, its value does not come from the metal but from what it represents: the figure it evokes, its age within the 1821-1910 era, and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue ultimately rule the price.

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 Mariano Arista, 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 #P-15b.