Nueva Basílica de Guadalupe Medal (1976)

This silver medal commemorates the New Basilica of Guadalupe, the great temple dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe inaugurated in 1976 in the north of Mexico City, the work of architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez.

The Basilica of Guadalupe is the most visited Catholic shrine on the continent and one of the most important in the world. The new precinct, circular in plan and with capacity for thousands of faithful, was raised next to the old eighteenth-century basilica to house the venerated Guadalupan image.

Designed with the initials L. P. D., the silver piece left a record of the inauguration of this emblematic temple. Religious-themed medals form a devotional chapter of Mexican medallic art, closely tied to Guadalupan piety. The minting of this commemorative issue was entrusted to medallic workshops or to the Mexico Mint.

The "Nueva Basílica de Guadalupe" medal was struck in 1976. It is made of silver, measures 44.29 mm in diameter and weighs 44.21 grams, the work of engraver L. P. D..

Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious metal content (44.21 grams). Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Nueva Basílica de Guadalupe). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Nueva Basílica de Guadalupe," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the 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 guide on how to identify Mexican mints.