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An exceptionally interesting 19th-century Ecuadorian academic award medal/badge, apparently associated with the historic Colegio Nacional de San Vicente del Guayas in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The school was founded in 1842 and was one of Ecuador's important historic educational institutions. In 1900 its name was changed to Colegio Nacional Vicente Rocafuerte.
The elaborate front features a large spread-winged eagle, flags and an ornate central school emblem incorporating symbols of education, science and the arts, including a globe, open book, musical lyre and scientific instruments.
Around the central emblem appears the historic school name:
COLEGIO NACIONAL DE S. VICENTE DEL GUAYAS
The reverse is beautifully hand engraved in period script:
“2º Premio de aprovechamiento”
This translates approximately as:
“Second Prize for Academic Achievement / Merit.”
This was therefore apparently presented to a student as an academic prize for outstanding performance.
Historical records confirm that the Colegio Nacional de San Vicente del Guayas held formal prize distributions during the 19th century, including a documented solemn distribution of prizes in 1893, making the inscription particularly significant.
Dating
Because the institution ceased using the name Colegio Nacional de San Vicente del Guayas in 1900, this badge should date no later than 1900 and is most likely a late-19th-century piece, circa 1880s–1890s.
Condition
Very attractive antique condition with considerable fine detail remaining in the eagle, flags and central educational emblem.
The reverse retains its original hand-engraved presentation inscription. There is age-related toning, surface wear and oxidation consistent with an antique piece.
Two attachment loops are present on the reverse.
Collector Interest
A highly unusual piece of 19th-century Ecuadorian educational, academic and medallic history.
Especially desirable for collectors of:
- Ecuadorian medals and exonumia
- Latin American historical medals
- Antique school and academic awards
- Guayaquil history
- Vicente Rocafuerte memorabilia
- 19th-century educational artifacts
The combination of the elaborate design, individually engraved academic award inscription and identifiable historic institution makes this considerably more interesting than a generic school badge.
