(1724) Silver Medal Betts-151, Mexico City

Coin Details

Description

Betts-151 in silver commemorates Mexico City in 1724, marking a proclamation or civic event in the capital of New Spain, the wealthiest and most important colonial city in the Americas. Mexico City proclamation medals were struck to celebrate the accession of a new Spanish king, typically featuring royal portraits on the obverse and civic imagery or coats of arms on the reverse. The year 1724 corresponds to the brief reign of Luis I of Spain, who ascended to the throne when his father Philip V abdicated, only to die of smallpox after reigning just seven months. Proclamation medals from Mexico City are significant in the Betts catalog because they document the ceremonial life of Spanish colonial America, where the arrival of news from Madrid triggered elaborate public celebrations including the distribution of medals and coins. Silver proclamation medals were produced for distribution to officials and dignitaries during these ceremonies.

Rarity Notes

Silver proclamation medal from Mexico City. Spanish colonial proclamation medals are actively collected. Scarce.

Cross References

Betts-151; PCGS #964823