Universidad Nacional de México Medal. Case. PROOF (1950)

This small piece in gold is part of a series linked to the National University of Mexico, the country's most important educational institution, heir to the Royal and Pontifical University founded in the 16th century.

Around 1950 the University was living through a key moment, as the University City was beginning to rise in the Pedregal de San Ángel, a project that would bring together the faculties scattered across the capital's center. Medals and tokens like this one accompanied that institutional impulse.

This is a PROOF example, presented in a case, which usually indicates a striking of a special or sample nature. Because of its small format in gold, it belongs to the type of commemorative piece issued in a short mintage. The Mexico City Mint was in charge of these fine minting tasks.

The "Universidad Nacional de México. Estuche. PRUEBA" medal was struck in 1950. It is made of gold, measures 16 mm in diameter and weighs 1.7 grams.

Being a gold medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (1.7 grams). Above that, what drives it up is condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the theme it commemorates (Universidad Nacional de México. Estuche. PRUEBA). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a handled one.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is gold; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates the "Universidad Nacional de México. Estuche. PRUEBA," 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 ever 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.