Valentin Gomez Farias Medal. Facultad de Medicina (1858)

Large-format bronze medal dedicated to Valentín Gómez Farías by the School of Medicine, dated 1858 and engraved by A. Zárate.

Gómez Farías (1781-1858) was a fundamental liberal politician of 19th-century Mexico, several times vice president and president. As an early reformer in the 1830s, he pushed measures against the privileges of the clergy and the army, and promoted the reorganization of education, including medical training. He is considered one of the fathers of Mexican liberalism.

That the School of Medicine dedicated this imposing piece to him, in the year of his death, shows the academic world's recognition of his educational work. It documents the link between reformist liberalism and the modernization of higher education in Mexico.

The "Valentín Gómez Farías. Facultad de Medicina" medal was struck in 1858. It is made of bronze, measures 72.62 mm in diameter and 153.26 grams, the work of engraver A. Zárate. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #P-181b.

As a bronze medal, its value does not come from the metal but from the commemorative side: 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 bronze; its value depends on the subject and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Valentín Gómez Farías. Facultad de Medicina," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and 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.