History

The Medal for the First British Invasion (Medalla por la Primera Invasión Inglesa) was instituted in Buenos Aires by the Spanish Viceroy around 1806. It was awarded in recognition of the Cabildo of Buenos Aires that led the defense of the city against British invading forces on August 1, 1806.

There were authorized twelve of this Medal to be conferred upon the most prominent leaders of the Cabildo. These version were made with special features, such as encrusted precious stones and inscription variation. The medal awarded to Manuel Godoy, Prime Minister of Spain at that time, presented Gems on the central medallion.

It is not clear if the composition of the medal denoted the rank of the recipient.

Many variations of the obverse and reverse inscriptions are known.