National Palace Medal (1896)

The Palacio Nacional, seat of the executive power since viceregal times, is one of Mexico's most emblematic buildings. Located across from the capital's Zócalo, it has witnessed the country's history from the Colonial period to our own days.

This brass medal of 1896 is connected to that symbolic building, political heart of the nation. During the Porfiriato, the Palacio Nacional was the center of Porfirio Díaz's power, and its image was associated with the authority and continuity of the Mexican State.

The piece is part of the commemorative medallic art of the era. It is a testament to how the great government buildings served as symbols of the nation and appeared on pieces meant to celebrate official acts or to commemorate the seat of republican power.

The Palacio Nacional medal of 1896 is a commemorative piece of Porfirian Mexico that pays tribute to one of the country's most emblematic buildings. Struck in brass, at 30.26 millimeters in diameter and 8.58 grams, it is part of the issues of the 1821-1910 era that are much appreciated among collectors of Mexican historical themes.

As a brass medal, its value does not come from the metal but from the commemorative: the event it celebrates, its age, and demand among collectors of the subject. Here, condition and the rarity of the issue rule. A piece with no scratches or aggressive cleanings, with a natural patina, and that also preserves its original case or certificate, always reaches the best valuations.

For the collector, this medal is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, II #313b. Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints.