El Salvador. A Medal For Distinguished Valor To The Loyal Defenders, In Silver, C. 1839

Instituted May 1839 by Francisco Morazan. A silver medal of the Liberal Regime of Francisco Morazan against Invading Armies from Guatemala and Nicaragua in 1839, the obverse presenting the left facing high relief bust of Francisco Morazan, surrounded by REPUBLICA DEL SALVADOR LA PATRIA A SUS LEALES DEFENSORES, the reverse presents the inscription PREMIO AL VALOR DISTINGUIDO inside a wreath, surmounted by a shield suspension presenting a volcano on the obverse and the date 15 SETBRE 1821 on the reverse, attached to a horizontal ovular loop, measures 35.6mm (w) x 41.4mm (h – inclusive of shield suspension), weighs 18.9 grams, light wear, notable edge knock on rim at 7 o’clock on reverse, a very rare medal in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Jose Francisco Morazan Quesada was president of the Federal Republic of Central America from 1830-1839 and was the president of El Salvador from 1839 to 1840. In 1839, Rafael Carrera invaded El Salvador, however were defeated by the Salvadoran army at the Battle of San Pedro Perulapan on September 25, 1839.There is no known literature on this medal, however it was likely instituted as a read for the Salvadoran officers and men who fought with Morazan.