Puebla Medal. El Obispado

This medal belongs to the royal proclamations and oaths held in Puebla, with reference to its Bishopric, within the Hispanic tradition of striking pieces when the cities of the Viceroyalty of New Spain swore loyalty to a new Spanish monarch. Puebla was one of the most important and wealthy cities of New Spain.

The oath ceremonies gathered civil and ecclesiastical authorities around the pledge of fidelity to the Crown, and the mention of the Bishopric underscores the role of the Church in these ceremonies. The distribution of medals was part of the solemn ritual.

Cataloged by Grove among the proclamations and oaths, attributed to the engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil and struck in gold, it is placed by its theme in the colonial period. Its value lies in representing the ritual of monarchical loyalty in Puebla and in the precious metal in which it was worked.

The "Puebla. El Obispado" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of gold, measures 42.26 mm in diameter and 44.56 grams, struck in Mexico, the work of the engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-131.

Being a gold medal, its value has a floor: the precious-metal content (44.56 grams). Above that, what drives it up is preservation, the short size of the issue, and interest in the theme it commemorates (Puebla. El Obispado). A piece with no wear and with its original case is worth considerably more than a handled one.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is gold; weigh it to estimate its fine metal content.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Puebla. El Obispado," which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the preservation. No scratches or aggressive 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.