Spanish overseas wars medals: Cuba and the Philippines
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Chronicle · 1868 – 1898
Spain's overseas wars
For thirty years, thousands of Spanish soldiers and sailors fought thousands of kilometres from home, in the Cuban countryside and across the Philippine islands. Those campaigns ended Spain's colonial empire in 1898, and their medals, crosses and ribbon bars are what collectors look for today.
- 1868 The Ten Years' War begins in Cuba; it ends with the Pact of Zanjón (1878).
- 1895 The Cuban War of Independence breaks out; Spain sends the largest expeditionary force in its history across the Atlantic.
- 1896 The Philippine Revolution begins.
- 1898 War with the United States. Under the Treaty of Paris (10 December) Spain gives up Cuba and cedes Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam.
- 1899 The garrison of Baler, "the last of the Philippines", surrenders after almost a year under siege.
What collectors look for
Pieces from this period are direct witnesses of those who served overseas: Cuba and Philippines campaign medals, Military and Naval Merit crosses with red distinction awarded for war merit, Suffering for the Homeland medals for the wounded and prisoners, and full-size ribbon bars that bring together the awards of a single soldier.
Collectors value quality of manufacture, original ribbons, maker variants and, above all, documents or provenance that put a name to the soldier. Most of these campaigns took place during the Regency of Maria Cristina, where many of their awards are listed; those of the first Cuban war also appear under the Reign of Alfonso XII.
All our pieces are original and shipped insured. If you are looking for a specific Cuba or Philippines medal, write to us: many pieces arrive before they are listed.