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Mexican money coins have a rich history that spans centuries, with the first coins minted in the 16th century.
The oldest Mexican coin is the 8 Reales coin, which was minted from 1732 to 1772. This coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance.
Mexican coins have been minted in various locations throughout the country's history, including Mexico City, Potosi, and Guanajuato. The most valuable coins are often those that were minted in these locations.
Many rare Mexican coins are highly valuable, with some selling for thousands of dollars at auction.
Worth a look: What Is a Minted Coin
Types of Coins
Mexican coins can be found in a variety of denominations, with the largest being the 20 peso piece.
The peso coin has a clear hierarchy of value, with larger coins representing greater value.
You can find coins in denominations of 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos.
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Currently Circulating
Mexican coins can be found in a variety of denominations, including 50 centavos and 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 peso pieces.
The peso coin is available in different sizes, reflecting its hierarchy of value, as seen in the 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 peso pieces.
You can find coins of 50 centavos, which is a smaller denomination compared to the larger peso coins.
A fresh viewpoint: Mexican Gold Coins 20 Pesos
Silver
Silver coins have a rich history, and one notable example is the Revolutionary Period Silver Peso 1914. It features a Liberty cap on the obverse and a law book and scales on the reverse, symbolizing justice.
This coin was struck during a time of great change in Mexico, and its existence was even questioned by numismatists. It was graded MS62 for its superior luster and clean design.
The 1914 silver peso is a rare find, and one example sold at auction in 2008 for a impressive $35,650. This goes to show that rare and unique coins can fetch high prices.
Intriguing read: Mexican Pesos Coins
Rare and Valuable Coins
The "Early Series" Rincón 8 Reales coin is considered the most valuable Mexican coin ever, and it's not hard to see why. It's a piece of history, struck just two years after the Mexico City mint's establishment, and it's extremely rare.
This coin is made of silver and was minted in 1538. Its historical significance and rarity make it highly sought after in the numismatic market.
4 Escudos Ferdinand VII: Rare Gold Coin
The 4 Escudos Ferdinand VII coin is a rare and valuable Mexican gold coin that's highly sought after by collectors.
This coin was struck during Ferdinand VII's reign in the early 19th century and is historically significant as part of the War of Independence issues.
Minted by the Guadalajara Mint, which was the only provisional royalist mint authorized to issue gold coinage during the Mexican War of Independence.
The 4 Escudos Ferdinand VII coin is considered one of the rare valuable Mexican coins worth collecting due to its rarity and numismatic heritage.
Here are some key characteristics of this rare gold coin:
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1812
This coin's rarity and historical significance make it a valuable addition to any numismatic collection.
The Most Valuable Coin Ever
The most valuable coin ever is the "Early Series" Rincón 8 Reales, a prestigious piece from the early days of New World minting.
This coin is considered historically significant because it was struck just two years after the Mexico City mint's establishment and bears the initials of the mint's first assayer, Francisco del Rincón.
The "Early Series" Rincón 8 Reales is one of the pioneering large denomination coins in the Americas.
It's a silver coin from 1538, making it a rare and valuable find.
This coin is in great demand in the numismatic market due to its limited surviving examples.
Here are some key facts about the "Early Series" Rincón 8 Reales:
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1538
Historical Coins
The Mexican War of Independence lasted from 1810 to 1821 and saw numerous mints create coins for both supporters and opponents of the Spanish monarch.
During this time, coins were minted in various cities, including Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, Puebla, and Nueva Galicia.
The Empire of Agustin de Iturbide issued coins featuring the Emperor's portrait, date, and the wording August(inus) Dei Prov(identia) on the obverse, with a golden eagle and a Mexican eagle appearing on the reverse at different times.
These early coins included ½, ¼, and 1/8 copper, 4 and 8 escudos struck in gold, 1, 2, and 8 reales in silver.
A Brief History
The history of coins is a fascinating topic, and Mexico has a rich and varied past when it comes to minting and issuing coins. The Mexican War of Independence lasted from 1810 to 1821.
Numerous mints created coins for both the opponents and supporters of the Spanish monarch during this time. Opponents minted coins in Puebla, Oaxaca, and Nueva Galicia, while those in support of the Crown issued coins in Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, and other colonies.
The Empire of Agustin de Iturbide took power and was solely responsible for minting and issuing coins. These early coins included ½, ¼, and 1/8 copper, 4 and 8 escudos struck in gold, and 1, 2, and 8 reales in silver.
The Emperor's portrait, date, and the wording August(inus) Dei Prov(identia) were featured on the obverse of these coins. The reverse design changed several times to include a golden eagle and a Mexican eagle at other times.
The United Mexican States started issuing coins in 1824 after signing the constitution following independence from the Spanish.
Take a look at this: What Does Minting a Coin Mean
1714 Royal Escudo
The 1714 Royal Escudo is a true treasure among historical coins. This coin is rated an impressive MS65, considered gem quality.
It's believed to have been struck to commemorate a special event, rumored to be the wedding of Philip V, King of Spain and Elizabeth Farnese. The coin's obverse features a royal coat of arms, while the value, VIII, equivalent to 8 Mexican escudos, is embossed on the lustrous fields.
On the reverse, you'll find a scepter, symbolizing a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. This coin is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Spanish minters of the time.
Here are some key facts about the 1714 Royal Escudo:
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1714
The 50 Centenario
The 50 Centenario is a rare and iconic Mexican coin that's definitely worth knowing about. It's made of gold, to be precise.
First minted in 1921, this coin was created to commemorate a significant milestone in Mexico's history - the 100th anniversary of its independence from Spain. This event marked a major victory for the country, and the coin's design reflects that.
The coin's obverse features the Angel of Independence, a symbol of victory and freedom that's instantly recognizable in Mexico City. This striking image is paired with a dramatic backdrop of the twin volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
If you're interested in learning more about the current price of the Mexico Gold 50 Peso, I'd recommend checking our latest listings.
For more insights, see: Banknotes Mexico
Royal 1650
The 1650 Mexican Royal Eight Reales is a rare coin that's a must-know for collectors. Only one known example exists, and it was auctioned in 2008.
This coin is graded Extremely Fine (XF) 45, which means it's not the brightest or most lustrous Mexican coin. Most of its details are visible but flattened with a lot of wear around the high points.
The 1650 8 Reales is the finest struck that year and is known to exist, which explains why collectors show a lot of interest in this coin. It's a true treasure for any collector.
The last remaining specimen of the 1650 8-reales went on sale for $92,000 at the 2008 auction and was successfully purchased.
Maximiliano I: Among the Most Intriguing
The Maximiliano I 20 Pesos coin is a rare and valuable Mexican coin, minted during the brief reign of the Austrian archduke Maximiliano I as Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867.
Its design reflects both European and Mexican influences, featuring the national coat of arms with the eagle and serpent, and the regal portrait of Maximiliano I.
This coin is considered one of the top answers to the question "What Mexican coins are valuable?" due to its historical context and limited mintage.
Here are some key facts about the Maximiliano I 20 Pesos coin:
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1866
1915 Guerrero Two
The 1915 Guerrero Two is a rare and valuable coin that reflects the tumultuous times of the Mexican Revolution. It was minted in 1915 in the state of Guerrero.
This coin is made of silver and features a unique design on both the obverse and reverse sides. On the obverse, you'll find an eagle perched on a cactus plant clutching a snake in its beak.
The reverse side of the coin displays a brilliant sun with a volcano in the background, a common symbol of freedom and resistance during the Mexican Revolution. This symbol reflects the coin's historical context and significance.
The Guerrero Two is extremely rare, with only a few known examples in existence. One specimen was graded AU55 and sold for $48,300 in 2008.
Here are the key characteristics of the 1915 Guerrero Two:
- Year: 1915
- Metal: Silver
Republic of Prussia
The Republic of Prussia is not mentioned in any of the provided article sections. However, I can write a section about a different historical coin, specifically the Republic of Mexico 8 Reales, as mentioned in Example 1.
This coin was minted in 1823 and features a Liberty cap and sun rays in the background on the obverse.
The reverse of the coin shows an image of an eagle holding a snake in its beak, a symbol of strength and power.
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The most expensive 1823 8 Reales is a proof, which is generally in good condition despite the poor strike.
Graded PR63 by the NGC, this rare example is a gem for collectors keen on ancient but valuable Mexican coins.
The coin was auctioned in 2008 and sold for an enviable $89,125.
Patterns and Variations
Pattern strikes are often rarer and more sought after by collectors due to their limited production. This is evident in the 1 Peso Maximiliano I Pattern Strike, which features a detailed portrait of Maximilian I on the obverse and the Mexican national emblem on the reverse.
The 1 Peso Maximiliano I Pattern Strike has a unique design element – the small letter style used in its inscriptions, indicating a prototype or trial piece rather than a regular circulation coin.
This coin is made of silver and was minted in 1866.
Maximiliano I Pattern Strike
The Maximiliano I Pattern Strike is a rare and valuable Mexican coin that stands out from others of its era. It features a detailed portrait of Maximilian I on the obverse and the Mexican national emblem on the reverse.
This coin is particularly notable due to its pattern strike and small letter style used in its inscriptions, indicating a prototype or trial piece rather than a regular circulation coin. Pattern strikes are often rarer and more sought after by collectors due to their limited production.
The Maximiliano I Pattern Strike is made of silver and was minted in 1866. Here are some key facts about this coin:
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1866
Its unique design and historical context make it a valuable addition to any Mexican coin collection.
1823 Republic Pattern PF64
The 1823 Republic Pattern PF64 is a highly sought-after coin among collectors.
This proof coin is one of only two examples in existence, with this particular one considered superior.
The obverse features a notably larger Liberty cap with the sun's rays suspended on the horizon.
On the reverse, the eagle's head is at a slightly raised angle.
This coin was graded PF64 and sold for $120,750.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mexican coins called?
Mexican coins are called centavos, with 100 centavos making up one Mexican peso. The name "centavo" comes from the Spanish word for "one hundredth
Sources
- https://focusonmexico.com/mexican-currency/
- https://www.goldeneaglecoin.com/buy-gold/mexican-gold-coins
- https://www.blanchardgold.com/market-news/10-valuable-rare-mexican-coins-worth-money/
- https://coinweek.com/currently-circulating-mexican-pesos/
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/rare-mexican-coins-worth-money/
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