Porfirio Díaz Medal. El Estado de Chihuahua (1909)

The state of Chihuahua, the largest in Mexico, expressed its allegiance to the Porfirian regime with medals dedicated to Porfirio Díaz. In 1909, with the president already very old and his power beginning to crack, these tributes kept multiplying.

This large bronze medal bears the effigy of Porfirio Díaz, whose image was reproduced on all kinds of pieces as part of the cult of his person. Its notable size reflects the solemnity with which the Chihuahua authorities honored the president.

The piece belongs to the category of figures. It is testimony of the Porfirian cult in its last years, shortly before the north of the country, and Chihuahua in particular with figures like Pancho Villa, became a focus of the Revolution that would overthrow Díaz.

The "Porfirio Díaz. El Estado de Chihuahua" medal is a commemorative piece struck in 1909, at the height of the Porfiriato's twilight, honoring the figure of the president and his ties to the northern state. At 72.43 millimeters in diameter and 133.47 grams of bronze, it is a large-format medal conceived for tribute and remembrance rather than for circulation.

Being made of bronze, its value comes not from the metal but from what it represents: the event it celebrates, its age within the 1821-1910 era, and demand among collectors interested in the Porfirian subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what ultimately mark the price.

To recognize and value it, it is worth confirming that it is bronze, reading calmly its legend and motif dedicated to Porfirio Díaz and the state of Chihuahua, and checking its condition by looking for natural patina without scratches or aggressive cleaning. If it keeps its original case or certificate, they add collector value. You can explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints. Its reference in the specialized catalog is Grove, Medals of México II #P-136b.