Sociedad Poblana de Artesanos Medal (1889)

The artisan societies were fundamental organizations in nineteenth-century Mexico, and Puebla, a city with a strong manufacturing and textile tradition, had an especially active mutual-aid movement. The Sociedad Poblana de Artesanos brought together workers from various trades for mutual support and instruction.

This 1889 silver medal commemorates that organization during the Porfiriato. These societies combined aid in cases of illness or death with cultural activities and participation in exhibitions where they displayed their handiwork.

The piece is testimony to the role of organized artisans as the backbone of the urban economy before the Revolution. Puebla's mutual-aid movement was among the most solid in the country, and its medals document that rich, structured guild life.

The Sociedad Poblana de Artesanos Medal, struck in 1889, is a testimony in silver to the workers' associationism that flourished in Puebla during the Porfiriato. It commemorates a group of workers that sought to dignify the artisan trades, which makes it a piece as appealing for its social history as for its metal.

Struck in silver, it measures 34.02 millimeters in diameter and weighs 17.18 grams. Being of precious metal, its value starts from a floor set by that silver content, and rises according to condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

To value it, it helps to confirm the metal and weigh it to estimate its fine content, read the legend and the motif that define its historical interest, check the condition looking for natural patina without harsh cleanings, and verify whether it retains its case or certificate, which 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. Its catalog reference is Grove, Medals of México, II #257a.