1164 | Medals

Automatically generated translation

FERNANDO VII (1808-1833). Constitution. Irrigation Statement. (Ae. 94.27g / 57mm). 1820. Engraver: JJ Dubois. (You Vives 339). Anv: Laureate head of Ferdinand VII, around legend: FERNANDO VII PLG DE DIOS Y LA CONSTITUCION REY DE LAS ESPAÑAS JULY 9, 1820. Rev: Persephone and Minerva crowning the constitution on a pillar with the columns of Hercules surrounded by a ribbon with the legend: NEC PLUS ULRA, on two globes, around the legend: MONARQUIA LIBERTAD, in exergue: THE CITIZEN RAFAEL / DEL RIEGO. Extremely Fine. Slight mark on the cheek and blow on the edge. Precious and rare specimen.

On January 1, 1820, the so-called pronouncement of Colonel Rafael de Riego took place in the Sevillian town of Las Cabezas de San Juan. The trigger was the refusal of the troops to embark for America, in full effervescence of the independence struggles against the Spanish Monarchy. King Fernando VII, fearful that the situation would spread to other parts of the country, was forced to sign a decree submitting himself to “the general will of the people,” and three days later he finally swore in the Constitution of Cádiz from 1812.