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Mexico 1993-Mo 50 Pesos Ninos Heroes, PCGS MS68. Click image to enlarge.

There are many events in Mexican history that are defining for the culture. While Cinco de Mayo is often the most celebrated of these hallmarks outside Mexico, a battle that occurred 15 years before is one that defines Mexican sacrifice and resistance in defense of national sovereignty.

It was during the Mexican-American War that United States forces attacked Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. The castle had served as a military academy for Mexico. The Battle of Chapultepec had turned in the United States favor and Mexico ordered a retreat of Chapultepec Castle. Six chose to stay behind and defend against the United States. These six aged between 13 and 19 years old were Juan de la Barrera, Juan Escutia, Agustin Melgar, Vicente Suarez, Fernando Montes de Oca, and Francisco Marquez.

The six young cadets would all be killed defending the castle. Yet it is the story of Juan Escutia that makes this story infamous. It is said that he wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped from the castle rather than let the Americans capture the nation's flag. The six cadets would be called Ninos Heroes and their story would become a symbol of courage, loyalty, defense of national sovereignty and sacrifice in wartime.

The Ninos Heroes would be featured on Mexican coinage beginning in 1993 and ending in 1995 featuring the six cadets as the commemorative of the bimetallic 50 pesos coins. Earlier medals also featured the Ninos Heroes with the most common being struck by the Mexico City Mint in 1947 and listed in Grove as reference 553. They are also featured on the Mexican currency 5,000 pesos note (1985-1989) listed as Pick-88.

Mexico 1947-Mo Medal Grove-553b AE Battle of Chapultepec, PCGS MS67. Click image to enlarge.

While the story is taught in Mexico as a core part of national identity, it is less familiar outside Mexico. It is with items such as coins, medals, and currency that this national identity is shared with the world.