Ramon Beteta Medal (1951)

This silver medal honors Ramón Beteta, a relevant figure in Mexican public finance of the mid-20th century. Beteta was Secretary of the Treasury and Public Credit during the administration of Miguel Alemán, between 1946 and 1952.

As head of the Treasury, it fell to him to administer much of the economic boom of the so-called Mexican miracle, with public works, investment and accelerated industrialization. He was also an economist, diplomat and man of letters, one of those officials who combined technical expertise with intellectual life.

That a silver medal was dedicated to him gives an idea of the weight he carried in public life. Commemorative pieces of figures were a habitual form of recognition in the era, and this kind of fine minting was done at the Mexican Mint, dependent on the same ministry that Beteta headed.

The "Ramón Beteta" medal was struck in 1951. It is made of silver, measures 40.12 mm in diameter and weighs 30.55 grams.

Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: its precious-metal content (30.55 grams). Above that, what drives it higher is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Ramón Beteta). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a mishandled one.

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 "Ramón Beteta," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and 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.