Panama, Republic. A Scarce Medal From the Meeting of Presidents of the Republic of America in Panama, 1956, to Luis Padilla Nervo

Instituted 1956. In silver, the obverse bust of Bolivar facing left surrounded by the inscription PRESIDENTES DE LAS REPUBLICAS DE AMERICA REUNION DE PANAMA 1826-1956, the reverse bearing the inscription “QUE BELLO SERIA QUE EL ISTMO DE PANAMA FUESE PARA NOSTROS, LO QUE EL DE CORINTO PARA LOS GRIEGOS. OJALA ALGUN DIA TENGAMOS LA FORTUNA DE INSTALAR ALLI UN AUGUSTO CONGRESO DE LOS REPRESENTANTES DE LAS REPÚBLICAS, REINOS, E IMPERIOS A TRATAR Y DISCUTIR SOBRE LOS INTERESES DE LA PAZ Y DE LA GUERRA CON LAS NACIONES DE LAS OTRAS TRES PARTES DEL MUNDO” BOLIVAR CARTA DE JAMAICA 1815, measures 59.8 mm (diameter), weighs 96.0 grams, the rim is marked 925 denoting silver fineness, and Picchiai Barlacchi Firenze maker mark impressed in the rim as well, areas of dark patina under the inscriptions, minimal wear, remains in very fine condition. 

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.