Venustiano Carranza Medal (1916)

Venustiano Carranza (1859-1920) was a central figure of the Mexican Revolution. As leader of the constitutionalist cause, he headed the fight against the usurper Victoriano Huerta and convened the Constituent Congress that gave Mexico its Constitution of 1917, one of the most advanced of its time.

This large bronze medal of 1916 commemorates him at the height of the revolutionary period, when Carranza was consolidating his leadership and preparing the new charter that would reorganize the country. Its considerable size reflects the importance of the figure.

Engraved by J. M. Swanson, the piece belongs to the category of figures. It is testimony to Carranza's role as the institutional builder of the Revolution, whose legacy, the Constitution of 1917, remains the foundation of the modern Mexican State.

The "Venustiano Carranza" medal was struck in 1916. It is made of bronze, measures 69.82 mm in diameter, and weighs 127.96 grams, the work of the engraver J. M. Swanson. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #P-41bp.

As a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from what it commemorates: the event it celebrates, its age (1910 to the present), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what drive the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the subject and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Venustiano Carranza," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, 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.