Sociedad Anónima de Concursos en Coyoacán Medal (1901)

Coyoacan, then a town on the outskirts of Mexico City, was a frequent host of agricultural and livestock fairs and exhibitions during the Porfiriato. The Sociedad Anonima de Concursos organized these contests that awarded prizes for livestock, farm products and agricultural advances.

This large silvered-bronze medal of 1901, from the exhibitions category, was awarded at those events. The contests spread new techniques and encouraged the modernization of the countryside, in line with the ideal of progress of Porfirio Diaz's regime.

Engraved by T. Bernard, the piece documents the agricultural life of the Valley of Mexico. It is a testament to how farming and ranching took part in the Porfirian drive to modernize, showcasing the best of national production at contests held with solemnity.

The "Sociedad Anónima de Concursos en Coyoacán" medal was struck in 1901. It is made of silvered bronze, measures 49.14 mm in diameter, and weighs 58.6 grams, the work of the engraver T. Bernard. In the specialized catalog it appears referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #E-124bp.

As a silvered bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from its commemorative nature: the event it celebrates, its age (the 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 silvered bronze; its value depends on the subject and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Sociedad Anónima de Concursos en Coyoacán," 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.