The Very Noble and Loyal City of Zacatecas Medal (1822)

In 1822, with Independence just achieved, Agustin de Iturbide was proclaimed emperor and many cities across the country struck proclamation and oath medals to celebrate the solemn act of recognizing the new sovereign.

This piece corresponds to Zacatecas, then one of the richest mining and silver centers of the fledgling nation. The legend "La Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad" takes up the honorific formulas inherited from the viceregal regime, a nod to institutional continuity in a Mexico that was barely ceasing to be a colony.

These oath medals, almost always in silver, were distributed among authorities, notables, and townspeople during public ceremonies. Today they are direct testimony of that first and brief Mexican Empire, which would collapse the following year.

The "La Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Zacatecas" medal celebrates in silver the honorary title of one of the richest cities in mining Mexico. Struck in 1822, at the very dawn of the independent country, it brings together history, local pride, and the shine of silver in a compact piece of 31.23 millimeters and 15.02 grams.

Because it is silver, its value starts from a clear floor: the precious-metal content of 15.02 grams. From there, what drives it up is condition, the small size of the issue, and interest in the subject it commemorates. A piece with no wear and its original case is worth quite a bit 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 motif. It commemorates "La Muy Noble y Leal Ciudad de Zacatecas," and that defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and 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, its catalog reference is Grove, Medals of México II #59a.