Oaxaca Medal. Carlos IV (1789)
Prices updated: August 2026
Silver · Proclamation and oath · 1789
Silver · Proclamation and oath · 1789
How much is the coin Oaxaca Medal. Carlos IV (1789) worth?
The market value of the coin Oaxaca Medal. Carlos IV (1789) is not yet documented with enough data to give a firm range. Weigh and measure your piece, compare it against the specifications, and check the forum for a second opinion.
The real price depends on four factors: the grade of preservation (a circulated piece is worth the low end of the range; an uncirculated one, or one still in its official blister pack, the high end), the finish (satin vs mirror/proof), the rarity within the series based on the mintage, and the metal spot price on the day of the deal when the piece is silver or gold. Check the value-by-grade table above and compare with equivalent pieces before buying or selling.
Where to buy or sell this coin?
Browse the national directory of numismatic shops or the community forum to trade directly with other collectors.
Historical context
Struck in silver in 1789, this medal commemorates the proclamation of Carlos IV in Oaxaca, the prosperous southern city famous for cochineal, the most coveted red dye in Europe. After the death of Carlos III in late 1788, the entire viceroyalty swore fidelity to the new king throughout 1789.
Oaxaca issued more than one medal for this oath, a reflection of the activity of its various corporations and authorities, each wanting to leave a record of its loyalty. The wealth generated by the cochineal trade gave the Oaxacan elite ample resources to join the royal ceremonies in style.
These proclamation medals functioned as a lasting testimony of fidelity to the Crown. Distributed among notables during the festivities, they symbolically sealed the bond between the province and the monarch who now ruled it from distant Spain.
Description
The "Oaxaca. Carlos IV" medal is a silver piece struck in 1789 in Mexico to commemorate the proclamation of King Carlos IV in the city of Oaxaca. These proclamation medals were handed out during the royal ceremonies and are today greatly prized testimonies of the colonial period, both for their historical weight and for the limited nature of their issue.
It is made of silver, with a diameter of 27.96 millimeters and a weight of 6.23 grams. Because it is a silver piece, its value starts from the precious-metal content, but what really pushes it higher is its condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the event it commemorates. An example with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than one that has been handled or cleaned.
How to identify and value this medal
- Confirm the metal. It is silver; weigh it to estimate its fine-metal content.
- Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates the proclamation of Carlos IV in Oaxaca, which defines its historical interest.
- Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleaning, with natural patina.
- 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-93.
Value range of this piece
Value range without enough data for this piece.
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