Veracruz. The Battle of Monte de las Cruces Medal (1810)

This bronze medal from 1810, engraved by Francisco Gordillo, is an exceptional piece within the group: it does not commemorate a royal oath, but the battle of Monte de las Cruces, one of the first great clashes of the War of Independence. It was fought on October 30, 1810, when the insurgent army of Miguel Hidalgo defeated the royalist troops in the mountains to the west of the Valley of Mexico.

Cataloged as a decoration, the medal honored the royalist combatants of Veracruz who took part in the campaign against the insurgents. After the victory at Monte de las Cruces, Hidalgo surprised everyone by not advancing on the capital, a decision that changed the course of the war.

This piece marks a historical turn: while most of the medals in the group celebrate loyalty to the king, this one already belongs to the time of war. It documents the moment when the crisis of the monarchy, which had produced so many oaths to Fernando VII, finally erupted into the armed conflict that would lead to Independence.

The "Veracruz. La batalla del Monte de las Cruces" medal was struck in 1810. It is made of bronze, measures 54.69 mm in diameter and 48.77 grams, minted in Mexico, the work of the engraver Francisco Gordillo. In specialized catalogs it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #F-198b.

As a bronze medal, its value comes not from the metal but from the commemorative aspect: the event it celebrates, its age (viceregal period), and demand among collectors of the subject. Condition and the rarity of the issue are what drive the price.

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the subject and condition.
2. Read the legend and motif. It commemorates "Veracruz. La batalla del Monte de las Cruces," which 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.