To the Defenders of Puebla Medal (1833)

Bronze medal To the defenders of Puebla, dated 1833, in the category of decorations of the early republican Mexico.

The 1830s were a time of great political turbulence: pronouncements, changes of government and struggles between federalists and centralists shook the country. Puebla, for its strategic position between the capital and the port of Veracruz, was a recurring stage for military actions.

These decoration medals were awarded to those who took part in the defense of a stronghold or in specific campaigns, as recognition of their loyalty and valor. The piece reflects the instability of that Mexico, where arms frequently decided the political course and where honoring the defenders of a city had a clear sense of cohesion and reward.

The Medal to the Defenders of Puebla is a bronze decoration struck in 1833 to reward the troops that upheld the federal government during the revolt that broke out that year in Puebla against the liberal reforms of Valentín Gómez Farías. It is an oval-shaped piece, meant to be worn on the chest, with its suspension ring still at the top.

What it shows

The reverse carries a radiant sun at the top and an eagle with outspread wings at the center, surrounded by the legend "EL GOBIERNO DE LA UNION A LOS HEROICOS DEFENSORES DE PUEBLA EN 1833," with the date 1833 at the foot. The obverse concentrates the political message of the moment: an open book with palms and garlands above, and the inscription across several lines, "LA FEDERACION TRIUNFANTE EN EL ESTADO DE PUEBLA CONTRA LA TIRANIA Y FANATISMO." Below appear crossed attributes that finish the composition.

Context

In 1833 Vice President Gómez Farías promoted measures against the privileges of the clergy, and in Puebla the reaction led to the uprising headed by generals Durán and Arista. The medal was created to recognize those who defended the federalist cause against that revolt, hence the words "tyranny and fanaticism" engraved in the metal.

Value and collecting

A medal is not legal tender, so its price does not come from any official table: condition, the metal, and how sought-after the piece is rule. On this example, the blue corrosion on the reverse weighs on the valuation. Before buying or selling it is worth comparing with specialists from the stores directory and resolving authenticity questions on the forum.