José López Portillo - Juan Carlos I Medal (1978)

This gold medal commemorates a meeting between President José López Portillo and King Juan Carlos I of Spain, in the context of the restoration and strengthening of relations between Mexico and Spain at the end of the 1970s.

After decades of diplomatic distance owing to the Spanish Civil War and Francoism, the arrival of democracy in Spain opened a new stage in the ties between the two countries. Mexico, which had taken in the Republican exile, resumed full relations with the democratic Spain of Juan Carlos I in 1977.

The gold piece belongs to the historical-figures medals, in the category that recalls meetings of heads of state. These issues document key moments of Mexican diplomacy. The minting of these commemorative pieces fell to the Mexican Mint, the customary house for official events of this nature.

The "José López Portillo - Juan Carlos I" medal was struck in 1978. It is made of gold, measures 36 mm in diameter, and weighs 34.34 grams, minted in Mexico.

Because it is a gold medal, its value has a floor: the precious metal content (34.34 grams). Above that, what drives the price up is the condition, how small the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (José López Portillo - Juan Carlos I). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been mishandled.

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 "José López Portillo - Juan Carlos I," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, 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.