Bronze commemorative medal, 30th anniversary of the Asalto al Moncada (1953–1983) — Moncada Barracks / Granjita Siboney

Object/Artifact

-

Archive of Cuban Socialism

Name/Title

Bronze commemorative medal, 30th anniversary of the Asalto al Moncada (1953–1983) — Moncada Barracks / Granjita Siboney

Entry/Object ID

2025.1.185

Description

A circular copper/bronze commemorative medal struck in relief on both faces. The obverse depicts the Moncada Barracks (Cuartel Moncada, Santiago de Cuba) in relief, encircled by "XXX ANIVERSARIO" above and "ASALTO AL MONCADA" below, with the dates "1953" and "1983" flanking and a small arrow device at the bottom. The reverse depicts the Granjita Siboney — the farmhouse staging point — with a royal palm rising beside it and a mountainous background, labeled "GRANJA SIBONEY" below. The medal has toned copper surfaces with brighter relief highlights.

Collection

The Cabrera Arús family collection

Acquisition

Accession

2025.1

Made/Created

Date made

1983

Time Period

1980s

Notes

Maker: Not identified; no issuer or mint named on the faces shown. A Cuban state/Party commemorative medal for the 30th anniversary of the Moncada assault (issuing body not indicated on the object).

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Notes

Obverse: "XXX ANIVERSARIO"; "ASALTO AL MONCADA"; "1953"; "1983"; relief of the Moncada Barracks; small arrow device. Reverse: "GRANJA SIBONEY"; relief of the Granjita Siboney farmhouse with royal palm.

Materials

Material Notes

Materials: Copper/bronze or bronzed metal (toned, with polished relief highlights). Technique: Die-struck metal medal with relief obverse and reverse.

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Relationships

Related Places

Place

City

Havana

Country

Cuba

Region

Caribbean, Central America

Notes

preservation

Related Events

Event

Anniversary of the July 26th attack on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de a Cespedes barracks

Research Notes

Notes

Marks the 30th anniversary (1953–1983) of the Asalto al Moncada — the July 26, 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, led by Fidel Castro, widely regarded as the start of the Cuban Revolution and the namesake of the 26th of July Movement (M-26-7). The Granjita Siboney (formerly "Villa Blanca"), the farmhouse that served as the assailants' staging point the night before the assault; opened as a museum in 1965 and declared a National Monument in 1979. Its depiction with a royal palm (a Cuban national symbol) is apt.

Created By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Create Date

April 30, 2026

Updated By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Update Date

June 14, 2026