(1760) Copper Medal Betts-479, El Arzobispo Proclamation

Coin Details

Auction Record

$705 AU58BN 02-16-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

Betts-479 in copper is an "El Arzobispo" (the Archbishop) proclamation medal from 1760, produced under the auspices of the Archbishop of Mexico for the accession of Charles III. The Archbishop of Mexico was one of the most powerful figures in New Spain, and his office produced its own proclamation medals distinct from those of the civil government. This copper striking was intended for broad distribution among the faithful during the religious components of the proclamation celebrations. The medal features religious imagery combined with royal symbolism, reflecting the Spanish colonial doctrine that the king's authority derived from God. Copper archbishop's proclamation medals are scarcer than their civic counterparts because religious institutions typically produced smaller quantities. The El Arzobispo designation connects this medal to the specific institutional source, important for cataloging the diverse origins of Mexican colonial proclamation medals.

Rarity Notes

Copper Archbishop of Mexico proclamation medal. Religious institutional issue. Scarce ecclesiastical colonial piece.

Cross References

Betts-479; PCGS #619531