Nacional Monte de Piedad Medal (1933)

The Nacional Monte de Piedad is one of the oldest and most beloved institutions in Mexico. Founded in 1775 by Pedro Romero de Terreros as a pawn and charitable lending house, it has helped Mexican families for centuries through loans against pledged goods.

This 1933 bronze medal commemorates that venerable institution, located across from the Zócalo of Mexico City. Its work of credit assistance has made it a pillar of popular economic life across generations.

The piece is testimony to the Monte de Piedad's roots in Mexican culture. It documents an institution of viceregal origin that survived Independence, the Reform and the Revolution, and that still operates today as a symbol of solidarity and aid to those in need.

The 1933 Nacional Monte de Piedad medal is a commemorative piece dedicated to one of the oldest and most beloved institutions in Mexico, founded in Mexico City in the 18th century. Struck in bronze, it celebrates the work of this pawnshop and charitable institution, which makes it highly prized among collectors of Mexican historical themes.

As a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from what it commemorates: the event it celebrates, its age, and demand among collectors of the theme. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what set the price. It measures 39.25 millimeters in diameter and weighs 23.07 grams.

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 the Nacional Monte de Piedad, which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. Free of scratches or harsh cleaning, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and certificate if it came with them: they add collector value.

Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the how to identify Mexican mints guide. For the collector, this medal is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, II #483b.