Fernando Moreno Peña Medal. Governor of Colima (2003)

This medal bears the name of Fernando Moreno Peña, who was governor of Colima between 1997 and 2003. Pieces of this type were usually issued at the close of a state administration or on official occasions, as a testimony of the term of government.

Colima, one of the country's smallest states, has kept the custom of accompanying its commemorations and changes of government with commemorative medals of institutional mintage.

Struck in brass in 2003 and of small module, the piece belongs to the medals of political and governmental theme, of the kind that state authorities commissioned to leave a record of an administration and hand out among officials and guests as an official keepsake.

This medal commemorates the close of the term of Fernando Moreno Peña as constitutional governor of Colima (1997 to 2003). It is an institutional end-of-term piece, of the kind a state government has struck to distribute among colleagues and officials when its period ends. It is not legal tender.

What it shows. One face bears the coat of arms of the State of Colima at the center, with branches on the sides and the legend "GOBERNADOR CONSTITUCIONAL DEL ESTADO DE COLIMA" bordering the edge. Below it reads "LIC. FERNANDO MORENO PEÑA," and in the field appear the dates 1997 and 2003 together with the mint mark Mo of the Mexican Mint. The other face is plain, with the phrase "HEMOS CUMPLIDO" in block letters and "Muchas Gracias" in cursive. The farewell message confirms that it is an end-of-term medal.

Value and collecting. It is struck in brass, so its value comes not from the metal but from what it represents: a local piece, themed on Colima politics, of interest mostly to collectors of the state or of government medals. Condition sets the price. To buy or sell it, check the directory of tiendas or ask on the foro, where someone into the theme usually has it.

To recognize it, look at the two dates of the term, the Mo mark and the phrase "HEMOS CUMPLIDO" on the reverse: that combination identifies it beyond doubt.