Imperial Crown of Mexico


The Imperial Crown of Mexico was the crown created for the Emperor of Mexico on two separate occasions.

First Mexican Empire

The crown of the First Mexican Empire was made for Emperor Agustín I in 1822, and it can be seen in many of his portraits. However, its history is not entirely known.

Second Mexican Empire

The second Imperial Crown of Mexico, created during the Second Mexican Empire for Emperor Maximilian I, who reigned from 1864 to 1867, is better documented. The original crown was destroyed during the ensuing fighting and victory of the Mexican republic, but replicas remain on display.
The Imperial Crown of Mexico during Maximilian's reign was modeled on the crowns of France and Austria. The crown of Maximilian's ancestor, Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, had two arches which crossed over the top of the miter. It is this unique form which appears to have been the model.
However, since Napoleon III was the main power behind the Second Mexican Empire, and as an extension of the Second French Empire, the Mexican crown also used the half-arches and eagles on the circlet on the front, back and sides from the crown of Napoleon III. The Imperial Crown of Mexico also shares many similarities with the Crown of Empress Eugenie, Napoleon III's consort.