Gold Mexican 50 Pesos Centenarios (1.2057 oz Gold).

Investors looking to acquire gold coins with historically low premiums should consider the Mexican 50 Pesos gold coin. The 21.5-karat Mexican 50 Pesos is an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper containing 1.2057 oz - or 37.5 grams - of gold.

The Mexican 50 Pesos, also known as the Centenario de Oro, was first issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain by the Casa de Moneda de Mexico (The Mexican Mint). The dates 1921 through 1931 and 1944 through 1947 are regular legal tender issued coins in Mexico, while the 1943 date, also known as "Tejo", is considered a bullion issue.

Between 1949 and 1972, the Mexican Mint produced an estimated 4 million restrikes, a coin that was reissued for a number of years with the same date in order to assure it would not gain a numismatic premium. Even though they have a monetary marking of 50 pesos, they are generally considered bullion issues using the original 1947 dated dies. The original coins produced in 1947 are not distinguishable from those produced as restrikes.

Whether you are a collector or investor, you can find something in the Mexican Pesos series. Contact us today for coin pricing, the latest on new arrivals and information on our in-house segregated storage service.

Obverse/Front

The obverse design was inspired by the image of Nike, the winged Roman God of Victory. The coin actually depicts the iconic El Angel de la Independencia, or the Angel of Independence. She is holding a laurel leaf in her right hand and a broken chain in her left. Behind her are Popocatepetl and Iztaccihautl, two volcanoes in Mexico. On each side of the winged angel are the dates 1821 - the year in which Mexico gained its independence from Spain - and the date of the coin’s mintage.

Reverse/Back

The reverse depicts a picture of an eagle with a snake in its beak and perched on a cactus, symbolizing Mexico's call to arms. Surrounding the eagle are the words ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS (United Mexican States).

About the Casa de Moneda (The Mexican Mint)

Hernan Cortez, who led the conquest of Mexico for Spain, took the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan in 1521. The Spaniards built Mexico City with the rubble from Tenochtitlan. The Spaniards soon discovered that the wealth of “New Spain” was gold and silver and could most easily be exported as coins. Hence, the Mexico Mint was established by the Spaniards in 1535. In 1810, Mexico obtained its independence from Spain and the mint then started producing Mexican coins. The main client of the mint today is the Banco de Mexico.

Fun Facts

One interesting point to note is that the 1943 Mexican 50 gold pesos coins have a slightly different design. The phrase “50 Pesos” on the left side of the coin has been replaced with “37.5 Gr. Oro Puro”, making this phrase repeated on both sides of the coin.