Supremo Consejo de México Medal (1890)

Freemasonry played a prominent role in the political and intellectual life of 19th-century Mexico. Many liberals, including several presidents, were linked to lodges that functioned as networks of influence and spaces for discussing enlightened and republican ideas.

This 1890 silver medal corresponds to the Supreme Council of Mexico, governing body of one of the country's Masonic obediences. During the Porfiriato, Freemasonry maintained a presence among the political and professional elites.

Masonic medals are distinguished by their own symbolism of squares, compasses, and other emblems. They are a testament to a discreet but influential associative world, which left its mark on Mexican political history and on its rich tradition of ceremonial medal-making.

The Supremo Consejo de México medal, struck in 1890, is a silver piece that commemorates one of the most influential Masonic bodies in the country during the Porfiriato. At 40.19 millimeters in diameter and 23.15 grams, it combines the solidity of precious metal with a motif of strong symbolic and historical weight.

Since it is silver, its value starts from a clear floor: the fine-metal content of those 23.15 grams. Above that floor, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear, with natural patina and its original case, is worth considerably more than one that has been handled or aggressively cleaned.

To value it, it helps to confirm the metal by weighing it, read carefully the legend and the motif that define its historical interest, check the condition for scratches or cleaning, and verify whether it retains its case and 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 #M-5a.