Veracruz Medal. Sebastián Pérez (1789)

This 1789 medal, engraved by Gerónimo Antonio Gil, commemorates the proclamation of Carlos IV in Veracruz, and carries the associated name of Sebastián Pérez, likely the notable or port authority who sponsored the issue. When Carlos III died in late 1788, the entire viceroyalty swore its oath to his son throughout 1789.

The port of Veracruz struck several different medals for this oath-taking, a sign of the atmosphere of ceremonial rivalry among corporations and notables: each wanted to leave a record of their own loyalty to the king with a piece bearing their name.

Gil's signature, chief engraver of the Mint and founder of the Academy of San Carlos, guarantees the highest artistic quality. That the viceroyalty's foremost craftsman worked for Veracruz patrons reveals the prestige and wealth of the elite of the great Atlantic port, an essential cog in imperial trade.

The Veracruz. Sebastián Pérez medal, struck in 1789, is a silver piece from viceregal Mexico that commemorates the figure of Sebastián Pérez in the port of Veracruz. It came from the hands of Gerónimo Antonio Gil, one of the most notable engravers of his era, which makes it an artistic and numismatic testament of great historical value.

It is made of silver, measures 39 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 29.31 grams. Since it is a silver medal, its value has a floor set by its precious-metal content; above that, what drives it up is condition, how short the issue was, and interest in the subject 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 Sebastián Pérez in Veracruz, which defines its historical interest.
3. Check the condition. No scratches or aggressive cleaning, with natural patina.
4. Look for the case and the certificate if it ever 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 piece is cataloged as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-253.