Item: Unique Piece Mexican Gold Medal Decoration For Generals French War
Sold For: $3,145.00
Bids: 12
Date: Apr 15, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Seller: arquebusier2709
Feedback: 100% (36)
Description and Image By: arquebusier2709
One 4.0cm x 3.5cm medal, issued by the mint of the state of oaxaca to its native general officers (probably to gen. Porfirio díaz himself) in pure gold, to celebrate victory in war over the french army and the mexican monarchists, on 1867 or 1868 under the authority of president benito juárez.
Only two such pieces are known to exist–one of them is in extremely bad condition, while ours rates unc.
The obverse most-excellently exhibits the inscription “defendio la independencia nacional oaxaca”, or “[the bearer] defended national independence – oaxaca”, among two perfectly preserved laurel wreaths, a classical symbol of victory. The mexican eagle, its wings extended, surmounts the main, round section of the piece.
The reverse beautifully portrays the same laurel wreaths around the inscription “venciendo al enemigo estrangero y al traidor a su patria”, or “defeating the foreign enemy and the traitor to his fatherland”. The whole design in this side is a bit rotated to the left, so that the eagle is not perched exactly atop where the wreaths meet, but is otherwise perfectly centred and complete.
Alas, we have not the ribbon.
This piece may well not be seen in the market again for decades. It is perfect as the flagship or centrepiece of any fine collection.