Mercado Medal (1849)

Bronze medal linked to the name Mercado, dated 1849 and signed by the engraver J. J. Bagally, active at the Mint in the mid-19th century.

The year 1849 corresponds to the period following the disastrous war with the United States, which had ended in 1848 with the loss of more than half the national territory. Mexico was then trying to rebuild itself amid serious economic and political hardship.

Without a complete documentary record of the person or the exact event this piece commemorates, it is best appreciated as a testament to the medallic production of those difficult years. Bagally's signature, one of the foreign engravers who worked in Mexico, reflects the technical life of the Mint in the middle of the century.

The 1849 "Mercado" medal is a commemorative piece from 19th-century Mexico that today draws collector interest for its age and its historical weight. Engraved by J. J. Bagally, it marks an event set down for posterity on a bronze disc 39.42 millimeters in diameter and weighing 28.61 grams.

Because it is a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from what it commemorates: the event it recalls, its era, and the demand among those who collect this theme. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what ultimately set the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the theme and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Mercado," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it had them: they add collector value.

For the collector, this piece is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, II #95b. Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints.