Juan Pablo II Medal. CELAM. Puebla (1979)

This silver medal commemorates John Paul II's visit to Puebla in 1979, on the occasion of the Conference of the Latin American Episcopal Council, CELAM, which the pontiff inaugurated in that city.

The Polish pope's first visit to Mexico, begun on January 26, 1979, had as one of its central aims to preside over the CELAM meeting in Puebla, a gathering pivotal to the direction of the Church in Latin America. That conference set positions on liberation theology and the social reality of the continent.

The silver piece left a record of this religious event of continental reach. Medals tied to papal visits and major ecclesiastical events document a devotional chapter of Mexican medallic art. The striking of these issues was entrusted to medal workshops or to the Mexico City Mint.

The "Juan Pablo II. CELAM. Puebla" medal was struck in 1979. It is made of silver, measures 36.11 mm in diameter and weighs 21.42 grams, minted in Mexico.

Being a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious metal content (21.42 grams). Above that, what drives it up is the condition, the small size of the issue, and the interest in the theme it commemorates (Juan Pablo II. CELAM. Puebla). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a handled one.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Juan Pablo II. CELAM. Puebla," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, with a 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.