Guadalajara Medal (1789)

Minted in 1789 and signed by Gerónimo Antonio Gil, this medal celebrates the proclamation of Carlos IV in Guadalajara, capital of Nueva Galicia and the second most important city of western New Spain. After the death of Carlos III in late 1788, the entire viceroyalty swore allegiance to the new sovereign throughout 1789.

That the chief engraver of the Mint signed the Guadalajara piece indicates the standing of the commission. Gil, founder of the Academy of San Carlos, brought the neoclassical style and technical mastery that distinguished the finest medals of the realm.

Guadalajara was the head of a vast region extending toward the west and north, with its own audiencia and growing economic weight. Its proclamation medal, engraved by the greatest artisan of the viceroyalty, reflected the ambitions of a city that competed in prestige with the capital itself.

The Guadalajara Medal of 1789 is a colonial piece struck in silver that commemorates this city of New Spain, the work of the renowned engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil. With its 40 millimeters in diameter and 27.96 grams in weight, it is a testament to the New Spain medal art of the eighteenth century.

As a silver medal, its value has a clear floor: the precious-metal content of 27.96 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 Guadalajara, 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 piece is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-70.