Ciudad de México Medal (1760)

This medal from 1760 celebrates the proclamation of Carlos III, the monarch who came to the Spanish throne in 1759 and whose reign drove the celebrated Bourbon reforms in America. Mexico City, capital of the viceroyalty, organized a grand ceremony of oath of allegiance with a procession of the royal standard, triumphal arches, and the distribution of medals.

It is signed by Alejo Bernabé Madero, and its piece dedicated to Mexico City is historically famous for being one of the first New Spain medals to bear the engraver's name. The obverse shows the king in profile with the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece; the reverse, the capital's coat of arms with the legend declaring it a testimony of loyalty and public rejoicing.

With a good diameter and weight, it was a prestige piece intended for the authorities, and it represents the moment when viceregal medal-making reached full artistic maturity.

The Ciudad de México Medal of 1760 is a silver piece that commemorates the capital of New Spain and today ranks among the most prized objects for those who collect the early history of Mexico. Engraved by A. B. Madero, it combines the value of its metal with the appeal of an old, thematic issue.

Struck in silver, it measures 42 millimeters in diameter and weighs 35.77 grams. Being of precious metal, its value starts from a floor: the fine silver content it holds. 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 Mexico City, 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 #K-11a.