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| 1/4 de real, Nueva Vizcaya 1822. This is a very rare issue (not to be confused with the 1/8 real that can be obtained). In over 40 years collecting this was the first time I saw one in auction. |
MEXICO - TO 1823
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1/4R 1822D
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PCGS F Details
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One of those coins that are for the section "coins that you have never seen, coins you will never see again". This is the only specimen I have ever seen for the 1/4 real from Nueva Vizcaya that I have ever seen. Extremely rare was worth every penny. All the devices are very clear.
At the time of purchase (May 2023) NGC has 2 coins, one at F and another one at VF. This is the only coin graded by PCGS.
From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. 1/4 Real, 1822-D. Durango Mint. Agustin I Iturbide. PCGS Genuine--Environmental Damage, Fine Details. KM-300. Despite its noted issues, this example stands as a fairly SCARCE and difficult type, with still enough detail to make everything discernable".
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| 8 Reales from 1822 KM304. This is not a proclamation medal and therefore does not belong to this set; however, the Collectors Society would not let me put it in the competitive set as it was graded by PCGS... |
MEXICO - TO 1823
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8R 1822MO JM EARLY EAGLE
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PCGS MS 61
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This incredible coin has a magnificent eye appeal. It was offered by Heritage in 2014 and I was outbid just to find it almost 3 years later in eBay. Having great colour and very little in terms of contact marks except for one on the face of the Emperor. Unfortunately, despite the great appeal, likely due to weak strike, is missing the leg at the chest of the eagle on the obverse. PCGS Top Pop at the time of purchase..
From the sale's catalogue: "Augustin Iturbide 8 Reales 1822 Mo-JM, KM304, MS62 NGC. An enchanting example of this small bust/small eagle type with flashy blue, gold and crimson color encircling the peripheries and a central strike that is impressively detailed for the issue. A very scarce coin at the Mint State level and the finest of this type that we have had the pleasure of offering. Krause catalog price(s) for this item: $150 in VF, $300 in EF, $1100 in UNC".
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| 8 Reales from 1822 KM310. This is not a proclamation medal and therefore does not belong to this set; however, the Collectors Society would not let me put it in the competitive set as it was graded by PCGS... |
MEXICO - TO 1823
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8R 1822MO JM SHORT UNEVEN TRUNCATION 8RJM BELOW
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PCGS MS 62
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From the sale's catalogue: Iturbide 8 Reales 1822 Mo-JM, Mexico City mint, KM310, MS62 NGC (actually PCGS). Mint State with attractive surfaces, a strong strike and beautiful grey-steel toning. A very popular type that is rarely encountered in this appealing grade.
PCGS Top Pop September 2014, only one higher by NGC at MS 63.
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| Proclamation Medal 1821 Grove 5a, first proclamation medal of independent Mexico. |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1821 GROVE-5a MEXICO CITY PROCLAMATION
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NGC AU 53
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From the sale's catalogue: "Republic silver Medal 1821 AU53 NGC, Grove-5A. Issued in Mexico City to proclaim the independence of the nation. Medallist is Guerrero, diameter is 33 mm."
At the time of acquisition (May 2016), top pop (and only one graded) by NGC. However, I do believe the specimen at the collection of the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City is slightly superior. However, this is a rare medal, like all Iturbide's.
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| Proclamation Medal 1821 Grove 5b, first proclamation medal of independent Mexico. |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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BRONZE 1821 GROVE-5b MEXICO CITY PROCLAMATION
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PCGS AU 58 Brown
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Lovely proclamation medal from Emperor Agustin I with a lovely Eagle design, crowned and with a very small snake.
At the time of purchase (November 2023) has graded 2 medals, 55 and 58, hence, Top Pop.
From the catalogue's sale: "MEXICO. Proclamation of Independence Bronze Medal, 1821. Agustin I Iturbide. PCGS AU-58. Grove-5B; Fonrobert-6538. Obverse: Crowned eagle perched on cactus; Reverse: legend in seven lines. Highly interesting and certainly SCARCE, this medal celebrates the freedom of Mexico from the Spanish Empire and alludes to the founding of the new independent Mexican Empire, which would prove to be short-lived. This near-Mint example provides sharp detail and clear legends along with quite lustrous fields. The surfaces offer a rich bronze patina with marbled reddish brown hues."
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1822 Grove 9a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-9a INAUGURATION AGUSTIN DE ITURBIDE
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NGC MS 64
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In near Gem condition this is an incredible proclamation medal for the short-lived Emperor. Iturbide medals are rare, and while this one is one of the most "commonly" available, this is clearly a condition rarity.
From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. Empire of Iturbide. Silver Proclamation Medal, 1822. NGC MS-64.
34 mm. Grove-9a; Fonrobert-6539. Crowned imperial eagle atop cactus growing out of rock; Reverse: Five line inscription with wreath around. Weakness to center as is the case with virtually every example of this issue encountered. Nevertheless an impeccable specimen showing a strong strike on highly lustrous metal leaving sharp detail and flashing fresh surfaces. Some trivial tiny contact marks which have to be hunted for are the only evidence of any handling. Sporting attractive golden and dusty gunmetal blue toning throughout. Easily one of the nicest examples we have seen and most likely one of the finest available".
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1823 Grove 11a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1823 GROVE-11a MEXICO CITY PROCLAMATION
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NGC AU 58
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Lovely patina. Quite attractive. Rare, very rare in high grades.
Despite not being my highest graded Iturbide medal, this is my favourite. The patina and looks of this medal is, in my opinion, second to none.
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1823 Grove 11b |
Mexico
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AE 1823 MEXICO CITY, GROVE-11B, 41mm PROCLAMATION OF AUGUSTIN
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NGC MEDAL MS 61 BN
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WINGS approved. From the Bella collection part 1.
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| Iturbide Inauguration Medal Grove 13a |
Mexico
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SILVER 1823-DATED MEXICO GROVE-13a JURADO (15.3g)
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NGC MEDAL AU 58
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Uncirculated proclamation medal for Emperor Agustin. This is (as all Agustine's) a rare issue. The feathers on the eagle's chest are perfectly delineated with clearly legible legends. Very beautiful.
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| Iturbide Inauguration Medal Grove 13b |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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BRONZE 1823 GROVE-13b MEXICO CITY PROCLAMATION
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NGC MS 63 BN
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Uncirculated proclamation medal for Emperor Agustin. This is (as all Agustine's) a rare issue. It is rarer issue than the silver one and at the time of purchase (March 2017) is NGC Top Pop. The feathers on the eagle's chest are perfectly delineated with clearly legible legends. Very beautiful.
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal 1823 Grove 17a Protomedicatus |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1823 GROVE-17a MEXICO CITY PROCLAMATION
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NGC MS 62
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At the time of purchase, top pop. From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. Empire of Iturbide. Silver Proclamation Medal, 1823. NGC MS-62. 40 mm. Grove-17a. Mexico City. Uniformed bust (sic) right; Reverse: Legend in six lines. Nearly all white with highly reflective fields. Sharp never-dropped rims. Nicely struck and lustrous. Quite attractive."
This medal was the praclamation of the Protomedicatus to the Emperor. Very rare.
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal 1823 Grove 17b Protomedicatus |
MEXICO - SPANISH KINGS GROVE MEDALS
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BRONZE 1823 GROVE-17b MEXICO CITY "PROTOMEDICATO"
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NGC XF 40 BN
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A very rare proclamation medal in bronze, somewhat circulated.
At the time of purchase (November 2023) NGC has graded 2 medals, one at 40, one at 58.
From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. Bronze Proclamation Medal, 1823. Mexico City Mint. Agustin I Iturbide. NGC EF-40. Grove-17B. By F. Gordillo. Diameter: 40mm. Commemorating the proclaiming of Agustin as emperor in Mexico City. Obverse: Bare head right; Reverse: Legend and date in six lines below radiant star."
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal Chiapas 1822 Grove 23a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-23a CHIAPAS
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NGC MS 62
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Extremely rare, particularly undamaged, as usually is holed. Also, only one in the NGC (at the time of the purchase, January 2020) with full numerical grade, therefore Top Pop. There is also an NGC XFD hairliness. PCGS has an XF45.
From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. Chiapas. Augustin I Iturbide Silver Proclamation Medal, 1822. NGC MS-62.
Grove-23a; Fonrobert-6925. Bust left, legend around; Reverse: Crowned imperial eagle within crowned central medallion, legend around. A seldom-seen medal, gray toned with well detailed bust and just one area of strike weakness by the date. A lustrous example far nicer than normally encountered with a thin veneer of tone."
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal Grove 25a Durango/Nueva Vizcaya |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-25a DURANGO
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NGC AU 58
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At the time of purchasing, top pop. From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. Empire of Iturbide. Durango. Silver Proclamation Medal, 1822. NGC AU-58. 32 mm. Grove-25a; The only example NGC has seen. Arms of Durango; Reverse: Five line inscription within wreath. Gray homogeneous surfaces with much color floating atop the tone."
Delightful arms of Durango (Nueva Vizcaya). Very rare.
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal Guadalajara 1822 Grove 27a |
Mexico
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SILVER 1822-DATED MEXICO GROVE-27a GUADALAJARA GROVE# 27a (26.8g)
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NGC MEDAL MS 63
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From sale's catalogue: 38.73 mm; 26.8 g. Grove 27a; Fonrobert 6910. 8 reales size. Uniformed bust of Iturbide right, legend around. Reverse: Two rampant lions with their forelegs against the trunk of a three, legend around and date below. Lightly toned with underlying luster. Planchet crack at 5 o'clock. NGC Medal MS63.
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal Guadalajara 1822 Grove 28a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-28a GUADALAJARA
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PCGS AU 58
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From the sale's catalogue: "Iturbide "Cathedral of Guadalaxara" Proclamation 8 Reales Medal 1822-Mo AU58 PCGS, Mexico City mint, KM-Unl, Grove-28a. 40mm/27.14gms. By V. Medina. Produced to the standards of circulating 8 reales, and given the condition of many survivors, often spent as such, with most examples displaying moderate to heavy wear and marks over the surfaces. The present piece however, is among the finer we have observed, with semi-reflective fields that are second-to-none and a bold strike for the issue that is just shy of complete on Iturbide's hair and SU in the corresponding area of the reverse. Truly, no wear is observed, and perhaps only faint handling has prevented what seems like a strong Mint State candidate; whatever the reason, the appearance is certainly no less lovely for it. Altogether a great relic of this ephemeral period, and for the dedicated collector of Iturbide, this effigy, one that is boldly portrayed and significantly more refined than on his standard issues, should take on exceptional importance."
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal Guadalajara 1822 Grove 29a |
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PESO 1822 MEXICO FONROBERT-6911
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NGC MEDAL AU 55
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From the catalogue: "MEXICO, Primer Imperio Mexicano. Agustín de Iturbide. 1822-1823. AR Proclamation Medal (36mm, 12h). Guadalajara. Ciudad de México (Mexico City) mint. By V. Medina. Dated 1822. * AGUSTIN * PRIMER * EMP * CONSTITUCIONAL * (DE) Mo *, bust right, wearing high collar, sash, and Order of the Golden Fleece / EL CONSULADO/NACIONAL DE/GUADALAXARA/1822 in four lines; rayed crown above, branches below; all within wreath. Grove 29a. In NGC encapsulation, graded AU55."
Rare, very rare in high grades.
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1822 Grove 30a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-30a GUADALAJARA UNIVERSITY
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NGC AU 50
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It is possible that I paid a bit too much for this coin. I have seen few other examples of this Grove 30a medal (University of Guadalajara) , all in bad shape (scratches, hairliness, etc). This specimen is already graded and therefore, free of problems, and at the time of acquisition (August 2016) top pop (NGC).
From the sale's catalogue: "MEXICO. Empire of Iturbide. Guadalajara. Silver Proclamation Medal, 1822. NGC AU-50.
40 x 38 mm. Grove-30a. By Medina. Uniform bust of Iturbide right; Reverse arms and legend. Somewhat unusual oval shaped medal. Charismatic portrait with loads of remaining detail. Fully original with medium tangerine tone."
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1822 Grove 34 from Guatemala when it was part of the Mexican Empire |
GUATEMALA MEDALS & TOKENS
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GOLD 1822 GROVE-34 AGUSTIN I PROCLAMATION
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NGC UNC Details
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This is the crown jewel of the medals coined in Central America (back then part of the Mexican Empire) to commemorate the coronation of Emperor Agustin. According to Carlos Jara (Mexican Coin Company Newsletter September/October 2014): “On October 31, (1822), the mayor of Guatemala City indicated that the amount of coins (medals) to be minted for that purpose (proclamation of Agustin I) should be of 400 pesos (or 3200 medals of 1 Real). On November 21, the ceremony for distributing the medals was fixed for December 26, and on December 14, it was reported that: “striking of medals would start the following day, including 4 gold pieces – two for the Emperor, and one each for the Archbishop and General Captain Gabino Gainza”. Surviving specimens in gold (a single specimen) and silver (scarce) are known. Additionally, a few specimens of a mule striking in gold using the obverse of the Leon de Nicaragua medal and the reverse of this one are also known (two ex-Eliasberg, one recently sold by Heritage).” Therefore, as this is not the mule Nicaragua-Guatemala, it has a 50% possibility to be one of the medals presented to (and owned by) the Emperor. This is (despite the scratches on the bust of the Emperor) a very rare, possibly unique (or near unique likely R9 or R10!), medal.
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal 1822 Grove 34a from Guatemala when it was part of the Mexican Empire |
GUATEMALA MEDALS & TOKENS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-34a GUATEMALA PROCLAMATION
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NGC MS 62
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As of November 2015, top pop. From the sale's catalogue:
"GUATEMALA. Silver Medalic Real, 1822. Agustin Iturbide (1822-23). NGC MS-62. 20 mm. Grove-34a; Fonr-7207. Bust of Iturbide left, legend around; Reverse: Partial arms of Guatemala with four line inscription in wreath below and legend around. One real size, minted while the state was under the control of Mexico. Exceptionally well preserved, lustrous with light attractive toning. The example offered here is the finest NGC has seen so far. A must-have coin for the collector of this niche."
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| Iturbide Proclamation Medal 1822 Grove 36a from Nicaragua when it was part of the Mexican Empire |
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21MM 1822 MEXICO SILVER GROVE-36A LEON DE NICARAGUA
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NGC MEDAL VF 25
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I cannot stress how rare this medal is and how happy I was to get it. Likely minted in Guatemala, or less likely, with dies from Guatemala. It is difficult to know how many are graded as none show on the census under Mexican medals for Grove 36a (under NGC census for medals). However, there are 2 listed under Nicaragua proclamation issue KM#2 (clearly an error as the medals were issued by Mexico when Nicaragua was part of the Empire), one at F and one at 61. The MS61 (I was the underbid) was sold by Stack's and Bowers in 2015. Heritage has listed 1, (this very coin) when it was sold raw in May 2008. At that time was listed as "Augustin I Iturbide Proclamation Real 1822, KM-M2, toned AVF, an attractive original example of this very scarce type struck during the brief period of Mexican domination in Central America. Most examples seen in the market have been holed or mounted". There is another one listed by Harford Coins on Vcoins.com listed as "AR 1 Real or Proclamation medal, 20.65 mm, 3.35 g
Mexican Empire of Agustín Iturbide (1822-1823)
León de Nicaragua, probably minted at Guatemala City, Guatemala.
O: bust of Iturbide left, date below
. AUGUST . 1 . EMP . [-] DE MEXICO . 1822
R: volcano and lion rampant inside an oval, all within a garland of flowers.
PROCLAM . EN LEON DE NICAR . A . 2 . DE LA INDEP . Grove-36a, KM #M2. VF, once gently cleaned, now somewhat retoned. There is a small attempted puncture just below 12:00 on the reverse. Comparable, in terms of wear, to the example plated in Grove, which was holed through. Superior detail to the Luis Flores collection example (Stacks Bowers Jan. 2013, NYINC auction #179, lot 4626 [graded as F12 and clearly inferior to the present medal]). Free from the adjustment marks that seem to usually occur on this issue. A rare coin/medal from the short period while Nicaragua was part of Iturbide’s Mexican Empire. This issue is one of the earliest distinctly Nicaraguan issues, and most likely circulated as money, as many of the known examples are quite worn."
Another example was listed by the Mexican Coin Company (now World Numismatics). That specimen was raw and likely to grade G or AG if submitted. Carlos Jara from the Mexican Coin Company published a note (2014) in their bulletin that shows a picture of an AU-MS with heavy adjustment marks that is clearly not the MS61 sold by Stack's. In this note by Mr. Jara he wrote about the Nicaragua issue: "This city acknowledged receipt of the September 9 decree in late November 1822. The corresponding medals were minted in late 1822, but, similarly to the Chiapas medals, no mintage records have been found. Only silver specimens are known, and they are traditionally considered the rarest among the silver specimens of these series. They remain very scarce in any grade and are often seen holed."
The reverse strike is always very soft and I have never seen a medal with a clear lion on the field, not even the MS61 or the mentioned one provided by Mr. Jara.
From the sale's catalogue: "NICARAGUA. Silver Proclamation Coinage (Real), 1822. NGC MEDAL VF-25. 21 mm. Grove-36a; KM-M2. Obverse: Bust of Iturbide facing left, legend around; Reverse: Volcano and lion facing left within wreath, legend around. Struck to Real size. Attractively presented with few marks, honest wear over the surfaces and original pale gray color over both sides. A VERY SCARCE and highly demanded issue."
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1823 Grove 39a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-39a OAXACA PROCLAMATION
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NGC XF Details
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Exceedingly rare. I have never seen another one. Despite the cleaning, great medal.
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1823 from Quetzaltenango Guatemala when it was part of the Mexican Empire Grove 46a |
MEXICO - 1821-1971 GROVE MEDALS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-46a QUEZALTENANGO
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NGC AU 58
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This is a very uncommon medal, and a condition rarity given that the large majority of the coins available are either holed and/or very low grade. In the Grove Census of Silver Medals by NGC, appears as the only one graded and top pop. However, it is not the only one graded by NGC. I am aware of at least 2 more, 3922766-004 graded NGC AU50 and erroneously labeled by NGC as Grove 34a instead of 46a, and 3312948-008 graded NGC AU58 but not included in the Grove census (labeled as Fonrobert-7292, Prober 251). The pictures do not give justice to this wonderful medal.
From the catalogue's sale: "Guatemala (Empire), silver proclamation medal, Agustin Iturbide, 1822, encapsulated NGC AU 58, finest and only specimen in NGC census. Grove-46a; Fonrobert-7292. 3.36 grams. Obverse: bust of Iturbide in center with legend AGUSTIN I. EMPERAD . DE MEXICO. around edge; reverse: PROCLAMADO EN QUESALT. A. DE 1822. around mountains emblem with laurels beneath. Well-struck medal, darker grey and blue toning on obverse with lighter gold toning on reverse. NGC #2727155-009."
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| Iturbide Inauguration Proclamation Medal 1823 from Quetzaltenango Guatemala when it was part of the Mexican Empire Grove 46a (Improperly labeled as Grove 34a by NGC) |
GUATEMALA MEDALS & TOKENS
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SILVER 1822 GROVE-34a GUATEMALA PROCLAMATION
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NGC AU 50
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Incorrectly labeled as Grove 34a given that it is Grove 46a. Also, in my opinion seriously undergraded.
From the sale's catalogue: "Quezaltenango. Iturbide silver Proclamation Real Medal 1822 AU50 NGC, Grove-34a. Fon-7292, Prober-251. Attractively toned with few marks. Very scarce as a type and also collectible under Mexico."
Previously sold Auktionen Münzhandlung Sonntag, Auction 20 (9 - 10 December 2014) lot 187.
This is the best example of this proclamation medal that I have ever seen.
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