History

The Faithful Merit Medal (Medalla al Mérito y la Fidelidad) was part of a group of medals that were engraved in South America to show loyalty to Carlos IV as King of Spain and the Indias. These medals were struck in Mexico, Peru, and Argentina mainly.

After King Carlos IV abdicated the Kingdom of Spain and the Indias, his son Fernando VII proclaimed himself as King at the beginning of the 19th century. However, the throne remained empty during the Napoleonic invasions. This situation provoke strong fights between both for the inheritance of the Spanish crown.

The Medal features an obverse inscription that translates to "Carlos IIII King of Spain and the Indias," and a reverse inscription that translates to "To Merit and Loyalty."

There were engraved several medals supporting both Carlos IV and Ferdinand VII.

The Medal might be composed of silver as well. However, this information is not confirmed.