History

The Medal for Cayenne (Medalha da Tomada de Cayenna) was the first military medal authorized by João VI in Brazil after the Portuguese court moved their seat to this country. It was authorized in 1809 to reward the British, Portuguese, and Brazilian forces which laid siege the Cayenne fortress, located at the capital city of the French Guiana, during the Napoleonic Wars. The French garrison surrendered on January 14, 1809.

The Medal was authorized with different composition, however it is not clear if these denote the rank of the recipient.

401 medals are recorded to have been produced at the Soho Mint in London.