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Archaeology/Aztec Medallion with Eagle Warrior and Aztec Calendar

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Expert: - 8/23/2011


Question
Aztec Medallion
Aztec Medallion
I found this Aztec Medallion in Texas about 35 years ago. I discovered from Internet research, the front has an Aztec Eagle Warrior and the back has an Aztec Calendar. It appears it has seen a lot of years shown by the worn look. It appears to be made of stone with (maybe) some metal under it. How can I find out more information and do you have any ideas on how this could be tested to figure approximate date?

Answer
Hi David,

What you have here is a Mexican carved stone medallion made for the tourist trade in Mexico between  the 1930's and 1960's.  It is copied after a gold coin minted in Mexico  to celebrate the discovery of the calendar disk in 1710.  On the other side is the Eagle Man motif.  Some were painted others had a very thin gold leaf covering.  These are not real common as most were tossed since they had little value but were "keep sakes" from  the trip.  I have no idea what the value may be.  

Ralph Salier

Expertise

Archaeologist for the last 30 years. Norh American generalist and Hopwell culture/Red Ocher culture specifically. Lithics Expert and Ground Stone tools.

Experience


Past/Present clients
Numerous museums in US and Canada. Several University Anthropology Departments.

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