Mexico 1778 medal Vives-51
This specimen was lot 1036 in Stacks-Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $1,645. The catalog description[1] noted, "MEXICO. Mexico City, Real Academia de Derecho Espanol. Silver Medal, 1778. Charles III (1759-88). ALMOST UNCIRCULATED. By G. A. Gil. VERY RARE. Armored bust of Charles III right; Reverse: Four figures around table on raised dais with three other figures below. Designed by Antonio Geronimo Gil (signed on both obverse and reverse) for the Spanish Royal Academy of Law in 1778. The Mexico City 'Mo' mint mark is visible at 8 o'clock on the reverse very neatly hidden on a rock. Seated at the table are allegorical figures of fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice who form the tribunal. The designer of this medal, Geronimo Antonio Gil, was engraver at the Mexico city mint and a founding director of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos (Royal medalists Academy). A large and impressive medal, boldly struck giving full detail to the robust portrait of the king in armor as well as the finer devices of the reverse design. Only a few minor sign of handling and no damage or bumps to the rim. Deeply toned adding ever more eye appeal. Two varieties of this medal exist, the first with the obverse die signed 'G. A. GIL.', the second simply 'GIL'. The medal offered here is the first and rarer of the two medals, of which only 154 pieces were struck before the obverse die broke and was replace with the die signed 'GIL'. A wonderful medal and prime example of the pinnacle of neoclassical medallic artistry in Mexico. From the John Adams Collection. Ex: Ponterio & Associates Sale #17 Lot #203 November 30, 1984."
Recorded mintage: unknown but rare.
Specification: silver, this specimen 57.96 mm; 123.25 gms.
Catalog reference: Gr-K-75a; Vives-51.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2015 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the John W. Adams and Ray Czabor Collections, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
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