History

The regency of the first Mexican empire created two sets of medals to reward military personnel who swore allegiance to the new empire. The Cross and Medal for Independence (Cruz y Medalla de la Independencia) were established by imperial decree on October 12, 1821.

The Cross for Independence was awarded to Generals and Senior Officers who swore loyalty to Agustín Iturbide, leader of the Mexican revolution, while the Medal was conferred upon Junior Officers and enlisted men.

Both Cross and Medal were classified in two different epochs. The First Epoch consists of the decorations granted to those who swore allegiance between March 2, and June 15, 1821. The Second Epoch consists of the decorations awarded to those who swore allegiance between June 15, and September 2, 1821.

The Cross inscriptions are in Latin and can be translated to "Religion, Independence, and Unity" on the obverse, and "Triple Guarantee, First [or Second] Epoch" on the reverse.

The Crosses are made in gold and only a few examples are known in the market.