Battle of the Fourth of May Medal (1962)

This brass medal commemorates the Battle of the Fourth of May, tied to the combats preceding the famous Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 against the French intervention.

On May 5, 1862 general Ignacio Zaragoza achieved a memorable victory in Puebla, but the clashes stretched over several days around the city. The centennial commemorations in 1962 captured various episodes of that defensive campaign against the French army.

Designed with the initials D. H. X. and cataloged by Grove as 796b, the piece is part of the set of medals issued on the hundredth anniversary of the defense of Puebla. These commemorative strikes were commissioned to medal workshops or to the Mexican Mint, preserving in metal the memory of the national resistance.

The "Batalla del Cuatro de Mayo" medal was struck in 1962. It is made of brass, measures 39.97 mm in diameter and 29.49 grams, the work of engraver D. H. X.. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #796b.

As a brass medal, its value does not come from the metal but from the commemorative side: the event it celebrates, its age (the 1910-to-present era), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what set the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is brass; its value depends on the subject and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Batalla del Cuatro de Mayo," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and 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.