Durango Medal (1790)

This medal of 1790, signed by Gerónimo Antonio Gil, commemorates the proclamation of Carlos IV in Durango, capital of Nueva Vizcaya, the vast governorship of the north of New Spain. Following the death of Carlos III in 1788, the oath of loyalty to the new king was celebrated in the provinces during 1789 and 1790.

That the chief engraver of the Mint signed the medal of a northern city illustrates the reach of his prestige and the extent of the empire's ceremonial network. Durango was the seat of a mining and cattle region, an outpost of colonial power toward the northern lands.

Gil, founder of the Academy of San Carlos, brought the neoclassical style and technical mastery that distinguished his works. His signature turns a provincial medal into a work of art, and confirms that even the capitals of the far north wanted to join the oath to the sovereign of the Spains with quality.

The Durango Medal of 1790 is a silver piece struck in the final years of viceregal Mexico, engraved by Gerónimo Antonio Gil, one of the most important artists of the Royal Mint. At 38 millimeters in diameter and 29.16 grams of silver, it is an imposing medal commemorating Durango that today draws great interest among collectors of colonial pieces.

Being silver, its value has a clear floor: the 29.16-gram precious-metal content. Above that, what pushes it higher is condition, how short the issue was, and the appeal of the theme it commemorates. A piece with no wear, with natural patina and its original case, is worth considerably more than one that has been handled or harshly cleaned.

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 Durango, which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh 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 #C-56.