Zacatecas Medal

This medal corresponds to the royal proclamations and oaths celebrated in the city of Zacatecas, within the Hispanic tradition of striking pieces when the cities of the viceroyalty of New Spain swore loyalty to a new Spanish monarch. These solemn acts gathered the authorities and the population around the oath of fidelity to the Crown.

Zacatecas, a great silver-mining center, had the resources and prestige to commission oath medals of remarkable quality. These pieces, handed out during the ceremonies, combined the political meaning of the oath with a display of local power.

Cataloged by Grove among the proclamations and oaths, attributed to the engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil and struck in bronze, it belongs to the colonial medallic art of the late eighteenth century. Its value lies in representing the ritual of monarchical loyalty in one of the richest mining cities of New Spain.

The "Zacatecas" medal is part of the Mexican numismatic heritage. It is made of bronze, measures 41.85 mm in diameter and 40.19 grams, the work of engraver Gerónimo Antonio Gil. In the specialized catalog it is referenced as Grove, Medals of México, I #C-260c.

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

How to identify and value this medal

1. Confirm the metal. It is bronze; its value depends on the theme and condition.
2. Read the legend and the motif. It commemorates "Zacatecas," 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 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.