Sociedad Divina Providencia y Unión del Ramo de Pulques Medal

This medal belongs to the Sociedad Divina Providencia y Unión del Ramo de Pulques, one of the guild and mutualist associations that gathered those devoted to the production and sale of pulque, the traditional Mexican beverage obtained from the maguey.

Pulque had enormous economic and social importance, especially in central Mexico during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the pulque haciendas and the trade in the beverage moved large capital. The trade societies organized for mutual aid and the defense of interests, and struck medals as an insignia or recognition.

Cataloged by Grove among the merit pieces and struck in silvered bronze, it has no recorded year. Its value lies in documenting a guild closely tied to an emblematic Mexican tradition and to an important chapter of the country's economy.

The "Sociedad Divina Providencia y Unión del Ramo de Pulques" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of silvered bronze, measures 26.89 mm in diameter and 7.89 grams.

As a silvered-bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from its commemorative nature: the event it celebrates, its age (period 1821-1910) and demand among collectors of the theme. 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 theme and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Sociedad Divina Providencia y Unión del Ramo de Pulques," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive 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.