Key Details
- Year of Issue: 1963
- Country: Mexico
- Type: Commemorative Medal
- Catalog Reference: Grove-824a
- Grading:
- PCGS Genuine: The coin is confirmed authentic by PCGS.
- Surfaces Smoothed: Indicates that the medal’s surfaces have been altered (smoothed) by cleaning or polishing—this is noted as a detractor because it affects the original mint luster and texture.
- UNC Detail: The medal is in an uncirculated (UNC) condition aside from the noted surface smoothing, meaning it has not been used in circulation and retains its original design details despite the cleaning.
Historical and Design Context
- Historical Background:
- Medals from this period often commemorate important events or achievements in Mexico’s modern history.
- The 1963 issue would have been produced during a time when Mexico was actively promoting national pride through commemorative medals.
- Design Features:
- Obverse and Reverse Imagery:
- While specific design details can vary by issue, medals of this type typically feature patriotic or allegorical imagery, along with inscriptions that celebrate national identity or particular milestones.
- The design might include elements such as the national emblem, symbolic figures, or decorative borders that are characteristic of mid-20th-century Mexican medallic art.
- Obverse and Reverse Imagery:
- Catalog Reference (Grove-824a):
- The Grove numbering system helps collectors identify and compare varieties within a given series. The reference 824a points to a recognized variety for this 1963 medal, often noted for its particular design features or production variations.
Condition and Collectibility
- Surfaces Smoothed:
- The smoothing of surfaces typically results from cleaning attempts that remove or alter the original surface texture and can reduce the visual appeal to some collectors.
- Although the medal is classified as UNC Detail, the smoothed surfaces mean that collectors seeking fully original surfaces may view this as a negative; however, its overall historical significance can still make it a desirable piece.
- Uncirculated (UNC) Status:
- Despite the surface alteration, the medal remains uncirculated, meaning it has not been used as currency and retains the bulk of its original design details and structure.
- Collectibility:
- Medals with a “Genuine” designation by PCGS are trusted by collectors, even when minor post-mint alterations (like surface smoothing) are present.
- The Grove-824a variety adds specificity to its identification, which can appeal to collectors specializing in modern Mexican commemorative medals.
Conclusion
The 1963 Mexico Medal (Grove-824a), graded PCGS Genuine with Smoothed Surfaces, UNC Detail, is a collectible piece that offers insight into Mexico’s commemorative medal production during the early 1960s. While the surface smoothing is a noted issue, its uncirculated status and historical significance ensure that it remains an appealing addition to collections of modern Mexican medals.