Guadalajara Medal. The Cathedral (1822)

This silver medal from 1822, engraved by V. Medina, was issued by the Cathedral of Guadalajara and corresponds to the first year of independent Mexico, when Agustin de Iturbide was proclaimed emperor and oaths of allegiance were organized in his honor across the country.

After Independence was achieved in 1821, the new State first took the form of an empire: Iturbide was crowned Agustin I in 1822. Cities and corporations, including ecclesiastical ones, swore allegiance to him with ceremonies that replicated the old ritual of royal proclamations.

That the Cathedral of Guadalajara struck this medal shows the continuity of the ceremonial forms of the viceroyalty into the nascent Mexican empire: the same kind of pieces that once swore fidelity to the kings of Spain now honored the Mexican emperor. Iturbide's brief Empire fell in 1823, giving way to the republic, but medals like this one document that first and fleeting attempt at organizing the political life of independent Mexico.

The "Guadalajara. La Catedral" medal is an elegant silver piece struck in 1822 that pays tribute to one of the most emblematic churches in Jalisco. At 40 millimeters in diameter and 27.96 grams, it is the work of the engraver V. Medina F., whose craft gave this issue a careful, commanding relief.

Since it is a silver medal, its value has a clear floor: the precious-metal content. Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled.

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 the Cathedral of 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 ever 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, its catalog reference is Grove, Medals of México, II #28a.