Ciudad de México Medal. 1/2 real (1789)
Prices updated: August 2026
Silver · Proclamation and oath · 1789
Silver · Proclamation and oath · 1789
How much is the coin Ciudad de México Medal. 1/2 real (1789) worth?
The market value of the coin Ciudad de México Medal. 1/2 real (1789) is not yet documented with enough data to give a firm range. Weigh and measure your piece, compare it against the specifications, and check the forum for a second opinion.
The real price depends on four factors: the grade of preservation (a circulated piece is worth the low end of the range; an uncirculated one, or one still in its official blister pack, the high end), the finish (satin vs mirror/proof), the rarity within the series based on the mintage, and the metal spot price on the day of the deal when the piece is silver or gold. Check the value-by-grade table above and compare with equivalent pieces before buying or selling.
Where to buy or sell this coin?
Browse the national directory of numismatic shops or the community forum to trade directly with other collectors.
Historical context
This small medal from 1789, of the half-real module, commemorates the proclamation of Charles IV in Mexico City, capital of the viceroyalty. After the death of Charles III at the end of 1788, the capital organized a great oath ceremony in 1789, with the viceroy and the City Council recognizing the new sovereign.
Its reduced size gives away its function: small medals like this were struck in quantity to be thrown to the public during the parade of the royal standard. The crowd picked them up as a souvenir of the celebration and proof of having witnessed the king's oath.
This kind of popular piece, imitating the module of circulation coins, was the most democratic face of the proclamation: while the large silver medals went to the authorities, these were handed out among the people. Fewer have survived, precisely because they passed from hand to hand.
Description
The "Ciudad de México. 1/2 real" medal is a silver piece struck in 1789 commemorating the capital of the viceroyalty, a small numismatic testimony of the late 18th century that today draws great interest among collectors of the New Spain period.
It is a compact and delicate medal: barely 17 millimeters in diameter and 1.73 grams of silver. Being made of precious metal, its value has a floor set by its fine silver content, and above that it rises according to preservation, the short size of the issue, and the historical appeal of the theme it celebrates. A piece with no wear and with its original case is worth considerably more than a handled one.
How to identify and value this medal
- Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
- Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Ciudad de México. 1/2 real," and that defines its historical interest.
- Check the preservation. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
- 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 #C-14.
Value range of this piece
Value range without enough data for this piece.
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