Porfirio Díaz Medal. El Estado de Chihuahua (1891)

The state of Chihuahua, the largest in Mexico and bordering the United States, experienced during the Porfiriato a notable development in mining, ranching and railroads. Its authorities struck medals to honor Porfirio Díaz and to express their allegiance to the regime.

This silver piece of 1891 bears the effigy of President Porfirio Díaz, whose image was multiplied on coins, medals and monuments as part of the cult of personality that sustained his long rule.

The medal belongs to the category of historical figures. It is a testament to the relationship between the central power and the states, which competed to show loyalty to the president. Decades later, that same Chihuahua would be one of the focal points of the Revolution that overthrew Díaz.

The "Porfirio Díaz. El Estado de Chihuahua" medal is a commemorative silver piece struck in 1891, a testament to the bond between the president and one of the most emblematic states of northern Mexico during the Porfiriato. Its motif makes it an object of great historical and collector interest.

Each example is made of silver, measures 30.42 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 13.26 grams. Because it is a silver medal, its value has a clear floor in the precious metal content, but what truly drives the price up is the condition, how small the issue was, and the appeal of the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear, natural patina, and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been mishandled.

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 "Porfirio Díaz. El Estado de Chihuahua," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with 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-103a.