Puebla Medal. Volkswagen (1981)

This medal links Puebla with Volkswagen, a long-standing industrial relationship. The German automaker installed its Puebla plant in the late sixties, and over the years that factory became one of the largest in the group outside Germany, a symbol of Mexican automotive development and an economic engine of the Bajio and central Mexico.

The piece belongs to the so-called commercial medals, commissions that companies placed with workshops or with the Mint itself to commemorate anniversaries, inaugurations, or production milestones, more as a corporate object than as a coin.

Minted in gold, it reflects the prestige these firms sought to project by giving pieces to executives, partners, and authorities.

The "Puebla. Volkswagen" medal was struck in 1981. It is made of gold, measures 38 mm in diameter, and weighs 21.41 grams.

Because it is a gold medal, its value has a floor: the precious metal content (21.41 grams). Above that, what drives the price up is the condition, how small the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Puebla. Volkswagen). A piece with no wear 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 gold; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Puebla. Volkswagen," 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.