Centennial of the Battle of Puebla Medal (1962)

This silver medal commemorates the centennial of the Battle of Puebla in 1962, the victory of the Mexican army over the French forces on May 5, 1862.

On that day, General Ignacio Zaragoza, with scarce and poorly armed troops, defeated one of the armies considered among the best in the world. His famous telegram to Juárez said that the national arms had covered themselves with glory. The date became one of the most celebrated in the Mexican civic calendar.

The centennial was commemorated in 1962 with a great parade presided over by Adolfo López Mateos. Cataloged by Grove as 800a, this silver piece left a record of that anniversary. The Mexico City Mint was responsible for these issues that celebrate one of the deeds most cherished by Mexicans.

The "Centenario de la Batalla de Puebla" medal was struck in 1962. It is made of silver, measures 36.19 mm in diameter, weighs 22.11 grams, and was struck in Mexico. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #800a.

Because it is a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (22.11 grams). Above that, what drives the price up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates (Centenario de la Batalla de Puebla). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a mishandled one.

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 "Centenario de la Batalla de Puebla," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with a natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the 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.