Puebla Medal. Puebla Society of Artisans. For Merit (1880)

Gilded bronze medal of the Sociedad Poblana de Artesanos (Pueblan Society of Artisans), awarded for merit in 1880 and engraved by Peña, among the exhibition pieces.

Puebla was one of Mexico's great craft centers, and its Society of Artisans organized contests and exhibitions to reward the most outstanding trades. Pueblan mutualism combined reciprocal aid among workers with the promotion of quality and the recognition of merit.

This merit piece, of careful workmanship in gilded bronze, was awarded as a distinction to outstanding artisans. It documents the vitality of guild associationism in Puebla during the early Porfiriato and reflects how the societies of artisans not only protected their members but also stimulated excellence in work through prizes and exhibitions.

The "Puebla. Sociedad Poblana de Artesanos. Al mérito" medal was struck in 1880. It is made of gilt bronze, measures 45.57 mm in diameter and weighs 47.21 grams, the work of the engraver Peña. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #E-346bp.

As a gilt bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from the commemorative side: the event it celebrates, its age (1821-1910 era), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what set the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is gilt bronze; its value depends on the subject and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Puebla. Sociedad Poblana de Artesanos. Al mérito," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and certificate if it ever 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.