Parras Medal (1809)

This 1809 medal, engraved by Francisco Gordillo, commemorates the proclamation of Fernando VII in Parras, a wine-growing town of the New Spanish north (in present-day Coahuila), famous for being one of the cradles of viticulture in America. Although the king was proclaimed in 1808, the oaths extended into 1809.

New Spain had sworn loyalty to Fernando VII in absentia, recognizing him as legitimate king against the usurper Joseph Bonaparte imposed by Napoleon. Parras was an agricultural oasis in the northern semidesert, famous for its vineyards and its production of wine and brandy.

That a town of the far north struck its own proclamation medal, and signed by an engraver like Gordillo, reveals the reach of the empire's ceremonial network. These 1809 pieces bear witness to how the crisis of the Spanish monarchy, the prelude to Independence, mobilized the entire viceroyalty, from the capital to the edges of the far north, in homage to the captive king.

The Parras Medal of 1809 is a silver piece commemorating Parras, engraved by Francisco Gordillo in Mexico during the years of New Spain. At just 28 millimeters in diameter and 13.84 grams, it is a small historical testimony that appeals equally to silver collectors and to those seeking early commemorative medals.

Being a silver medal, its value has a floor: the 13.84-gram precious-metal content. Above that, what pushes it higher is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the theme 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 Parras, 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 #F-102.