Centennial of the Battle of Puebla Medal (1963)

This bronze medal commemorates the centennial of the Battle of Puebla, the Mexican victory of May 5, 1862 against the French army, although its 1963 date places it within the extended cycle of tributes to that feat.

The defense of Puebla, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, was recorded as one of the most glorious pages in the nation's history. The centennial, celebrated with great solemnity in the early 1960s, generated numerous commemorative issues in various metals.

Cataloged by Grove as 840b, this bronze variant joins the set of pieces dedicated to the anniversary. Its format places it among the medium-module medals. These commemorative strikings of patriotic feats were made in medal workshops or at the Mexico Mint.

The "Centenario de la Batalla de Puebla" medal was struck in 1963. It is made of bronze, measures 34.61 mm in diameter and weighs 16.67 grams, struck in Mexico. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, II #840b.

As a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from the commemorative: the event it celebrates, its age (the 1910-to-present era), and demand among collectors of the theme. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what drive the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the theme and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates the "Centenario de la Batalla de Puebla," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it ever 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.