Campeche Medal (1790)

Struck in 1790, this small medal commemorates the proclamation of Carlos IV in Campeche, the walled port of the Yucatan peninsula. Its reduced size corresponds to the pieces that were thrown to the public during the parade of the royal standard, gathered by the crowd as a keepsake of the celebration.

Campeche was a stronghold of the southeast: its walls defended the coast from pirates and corsairs, and dyewood and other regional riches shipped out through its port. Although the king took the throne in 1788, the oath of allegiance reached the remote provinces during 1789 and 1790.

This small version, distinct from the large silver medals meant for the authorities, shows the popular face of the proclamation: while the notables received prestige pieces, the common people gathered these commemorative coins off the ground. Today they are scarce precisely because they circulated from hand to hand after the oath-of-allegiance festivities.

The 1790 Campeche Medal is a small silver piece struck in the viceregal era to commemorate the city and province of Campeche. At just 20 millimeters in diameter and 2.98 grams, it packs into a tiny format all the historical interest of a colonial issue rarely seen on the Mexican numismatic market.

Being a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content of 2.98 grams. Above that, what drives it up is condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates Campeche, which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and certificate if it once 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. For the collector, this medal is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-44.