Early Maximilian Medal 6th of July 1863
Tookybandit
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Here is a newp that I am super excited about!!! This small medal was issued to commemorate the coronation and accession to the Imperial throne of Mexico of the highly distinguished Ferdinand Maximilian - Archduke of Austria, Prince of Hungary, Bohemia and Lorrena, and Count of Hapsburg. (Geese that's a lot of titles!)
The Junta de Notables (Assembly of the Notables) was a 250 member, supposedly impartial, body that essentially did what the French Emperor Napoleon III told them to do. The Notables, by committee, selected Maximilian to rise to power and the mandate making Ferdinand Maximillian Emperor of Mexico occurred on the 3rd of October 1863. However, the coronation and formal ceremony accepting the new crown of Mexico did not take place until the 10th of April 1864. Maybe it took six months for the Archduke of Austria to uproot and move to Mexico?
What is odd, and a bit conflicting, is the date featured on the medal, the 6th of July 1863. This date is actually Maximillian's 31st birthday!
The mustached portrait featured on the obverse is handsome and unique! The likeness of the future Emperor bares virtually no resemblance to the heavily bearded design that was actually used for the popular 1866 and 1867 Mexico Pesos.
The reference book* I have, lists this medal as being struck in copper! The example I was fortunate to pluck off eBay is clearly struck in silver. I have no idea which composition is more scarce, but I imagine both silver and copper examples are very few and far between.
I'm a big fan of the Maximilian series and what a cool example to add to my variety collection. 
If anyone knows of another example to compare with or someone who may have additional information, it would be greatly appreciated!
{The information I have referenced above can be found in the book *Mexican Imperial Coinage - Benjamin Betts 1899}
Comments
Neat medal. I've seen a few examples over the years, but not sure if any of them were white metal or silver.
That period was a fascinating one in Mexican history. It's a shame about what happened to Maximilian.
Here's a pretty good read from a few years back about these medals with some neat historic tidbits: http://maximilian-carlota.blogspot.ca/2010/09/junta-de-los-notables-coin.html?m=1
8 Reales Madness Collection
Great link, thanks!
Nice piece!
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Fascinating... I heard before about but never seen one. Could you post the reverse please? I cant see it. There are other history that exist a 1866 Peso with a C/S with the obverse of this medal. Someane "plays" with dies of the medal over one peso... I am big fan as well and just collect Max coins and medals.
@AlMB - would love to see some of your examples of Max coinage and medals!
8 Reales Madness Collection
Cent 1864 Pi
Last one, last one... Pi Peso with a nice toning
Clashed dies known as heart in ear variety
Wow, those are cool ! Thanks for sharing!
That monument inauguration medal is gorgeous. I was visiting the Miramare castle outside of Trieste last year and didn't see it. I wonder if it's still there.
8 Reales Madness Collection