Ciudad de México Medal. El Colegio de San Ildefonso (1808)

This gilt bronze medal of 1808, engraved by José M. Guerrero, commemorates the proclamation of Fernando VII promoted by the Colegio de San Ildefonso, the prestigious Jesuit educational institution of Mexico City, one of the most important of the viceroyalty. In the critical year of 1808, following the abdications of Bayonne, New Spain swore loyalty to Fernando VII in absentia.

That a major college issued its own medal shows how each corporate body of New Spain, including those of education, wanted to place on record its loyalty to the captive king. San Ildefonso trained the lettered elite of the viceroyalty.

José M. Guerrero, an engraver active in the capital after the death of Gil, brought his craft to this prestige piece in gilt bronze. The college's participation in the oaths of allegiance of 1808 reflects the atmosphere of the capital's enlightened institutions at a moment when the crisis of the monarchy was beginning to stir the Creole conscience.

The "Ciudad de México. El Colegio de San Ildefonso" medal was struck in 1808. It is made of gilt bronze, measures 39 mm in diameter and weighs 29.49 grams, minted in Mexico, the work of the engraver José M. Guerrero. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #F-29a.

As a gilt bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from what it commemorates: the event it celebrates, its age (viceroyalty era), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what set the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is gilt bronze; its value depends on the theme and the condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Ciudad de México. El Colegio de San Ildefonso," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, 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.