Benito Juarez Medal (Defense)

The Benito Juarez Medal (Defense) was struck in 1863 and is part of the Mexican Imperial Coinage series.

Specifications

 * Designer:
 * Obverse Design: An inscription in nine lines
 * Reverse Design: Mexican eagle in black
 * Edge:
 * Weight:
 * Diameter: Elliptical, 38mm x 47mm
 * Composition:
 * Date Minted: 1863
 * Mintage:

Design
Military decoration for special service. This is an elliptical plate of silver, 38 x 47, with the centre removed for the insertion of a Maltese cross 34 x 42; the cross is 14 x 24, and is made hollow for the concealment of despatches; it is hinged at the top and secured by a small screw at the bottoms

Obverse. The centre is black enamel, on which is an inscription in nine lines in white, DEFENDIO | a Puebla | DE | ZARAGOZA | IN | 1863. | CONTRA | EL | EJERCITO FRANCES [He took part in the defense of Puebla by Zaragoza, in 1863, against the French army].

Reverse. Same as the obverse, except that the central portion is white enamel on which appears the Mexican eagle in black. Altogether the whole affair is very ingeniously contrived. The hinge at the top is in the form of a loop for the ribbon, which is red.