Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3071 6-7 Jan 2019
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Mexico
Agustin I Iturbide gold Proclamation Medal 1823 AU Details (Removed From Jewelry) NGC, Grove-11, 39mm. 35.32gm. By J. Guerro. An extremely rare and iconic large-size Mexican gold medal struck for the Feast of the Proclamation on January 24 1823, immense festivities implemented by the then-emperor of Mexico, Agustin I Iturbide. Agustin began his career as an officer in the Spanish army, with a focus on negotiating with Mexican insurgents. In time, he was persuaded by the cause for independence, and turned from Spain to become emperor of Mexico on July 21st 1822; for this, he is seen as a pinnacle figure in Mexico's independence. Despite the proclamation commemorated by this medal, Agustin's rule was short lived, and by March 19th he was exiled to Italy; he tried to return to Mexico in 1824 and was killed by local authorities. Despite this, he is remembered as "Liberator National", and is buried in the Mexico City cathedral.
Accordingly, for the dedicated collector of Mexican coins or historical medals, this piece is tremendously important. Only one or two examples (including the present offering) have come to market in the last 20 years, and these likely represent the majority of pieces extant. The present offering has likely contemporarily been mounted as jewelry by a supporter of Agustin, giving a slightly sweated appearance to the obverse; the reverse shows slightly more luster, likely as the medal was worn obverse-forward and received more cleaning. Despite these surface issues, however, all details are bold and fully represented on this Almost Uncirculated specimen, and when concerning a piece of such national significance and historical interest as this, grade hardly matters. It is unlikely that the opportunity to own this piece will open up again within this generation, and we so we encourage all serious Mexican numismatists to pay special attention to this captivating medal.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 10000-15000 USD
Agustin I Iturbide gold Proclamation Medal 1823 AU Details (Removed From Jewelry) NGC, Grove-11, 39mm. 35.32gm. By J. Guerro. An extremely rare and iconic large-size Mexican gold medal struck for the Feast of the Proclamation on January 24 1823, immense festivities implemented by the then-emperor of Mexico, Agustin I Iturbide. Agustin began his career as an officer in the Spanish army, with a focus on negotiating with Mexican insurgents. In time, he was persuaded by the cause for independence, and turned from Spain to become emperor of Mexico on July 21st 1822; for this, he is seen as a pinnacle figure in Mexico's independence. Despite the proclamation commemorated by this medal, Agustin's rule was short lived, and by March 19th he was exiled to Italy; he tried to return to Mexico in 1824 and was killed by local authorities. Despite this, he is remembered as "Liberator National", and is buried in the Mexico City cathedral.
Accordingly, for the dedicated collector of Mexican coins or historical medals, this piece is tremendously important. Only one or two examples (including the present offering) have come to market in the last 20 years, and these likely represent the majority of pieces extant. The present offering has likely contemporarily been mounted as jewelry by a supporter of Agustin, giving a slightly sweated appearance to the obverse; the reverse shows slightly more luster, likely as the medal was worn obverse-forward and received more cleaning. Despite these surface issues, however, all details are bold and fully represented on this Almost Uncirculated specimen, and when concerning a piece of such national significance and historical interest as this, grade hardly matters. It is unlikely that the opportunity to own this piece will open up again within this generation, and we so we encourage all serious Mexican numismatists to pay special attention to this captivating medal.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 10000-15000 USD