Puebla Medal (1792)

Engraved by Gerónimo Antonio Gil in 1792, this medal commemorates the proclamation of Charles IV in Puebla de los Ángeles, the second city of the viceroyalty. Although the king ascended in 1788, the oaths dragged on through the provinces until 1792 as the celebrations were organized.

With nearly five centimeters in diameter and a considerable weight, it is one of the most imposing provincial pieces of the series. Puebla, a city rich in convents, talavera, and textiles, commissioned from the kingdom's foremost engraver a medal worthy of its prestige.

Gil, chief engraver of the Mint and founder of the Academy of San Carlos, brought the neoclassical style and the quality of the finest European houses. His signature on this Puebla medal confirms that the great cities of the viceroyalty competed to leave a record of their loyalty to the king with the most ambitious and finely worked pieces of the oath.

The "Puebla" medal was struck in 1792. It is made of silver, measures 49.55 mm in diameter and weighs 52.18 grams, the work of the engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-125.

Being a silver medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (52.18 grams). Above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the theme it commemorates (Puebla). A piece with no wear and its original case is worth considerably more than a handled one.

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 "Puebla," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or harsh cleanings, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and certificate if it had them: they add collection value.

Explore more pieces in the Mexican numismatics catalog and learn to read the marks in the guide on how to identify Mexican mints.