1866, Mexico, Maximilian I. Large Proof-like Gold Medal by Angel Barón. 18.47gm!
Mint Place: Mexico Reference: Betts -, Grove -. R! Medallist/Issuer: Angel Báron (B) State: Mexico (Empire of Maximilian) Mint Year: dated 1866, struck in the 1960s Denomination: Medal - Similar to a Gold 20 Pesos, but smaller and with ommited value and added initial ("B") on both sides! Condition: The medal appears to have been struck as a matted piece, which was later smoothed around the head and coat-of-arms, which resulted in a proof-like appearance! Weight: 18.47gm Diameter: 30mm Material: Gold!
Obverse: Fully matted bare head of bearded Maximilian right. Small banner (without inscription) and initial "B" below. Legend: MAXIMILIANO EMPERADOR
Reverse: Crowned oval shield displaying Mexican eagle supported on either side by Griffin, sword and scepter in saltire. Initial "B" below. Legend: IMPERIO MEXICANO 1 PESO 1866
Maximilian I of Mexico (6 July 1832 – 19 June 1867; born Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph of Austria) was a member of the Imperial House of Habsburg-Lorraine. After a distinguished career in the Austrian Navy he was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico, during the Second Mexican Empire, with the backing of Napoleon III of France and a group of Mexican monarchists on 10 April 1864. Many foreign governments refused to recognize his government, including the United States. This helped to ensure the success of Republican forces led by Benito Juárez, and Maximilian was executed, after capture by Republicans, in 1867. In Mexico, he and his consort are known as Maximiliano and Carlota.