Cholula Medal. Cast (1747)

Cast in 1747, this medal corresponds to the proclamation of Fernando VI, the king who succeeded Felipe V after his death in 1746. As throughout the Hispanic monarchy, the news of a new sovereign set off ceremonies of oath of allegiance and proclamation in New Spain: the town councils raised platforms, paraded the royal standard, and distributed commemorative medals among the authorities.

What is interesting about this piece is its origin: Cholula, the ancient Puebla city famous for its great pyramid and its numerous churches. That a town of that size struck its own medal shows how the ritual of loyalty to the king was replicated across the entire territory, not just in the capital.

The technique of casting (pouring metal into a mold, rather than striking with a die) was common in local workshops without a coining press. It gives these pieces a more handcrafted appearance, and often betrays provincial productions made for the occasion.

The "Cholula. Fundida" medal is a silver piece struck in 1747, a testament to the medal art of viceregal Mexico that today draws collectors' interest for its age and for the historical theme it commemorates. At only 28 millimeters in diameter and 5.76 grams, it condenses centuries of history into a small disc of precious metal.

As a silver medal, its value has a clear floor: the precious-metal content of 5.76 grams. Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was and interest in the theme it commemorates. A piece without wear and with its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been tampered with.

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 "Cholula. Fundida," 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 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 #F6-12.