What is the Mexico 50 Peso Gold Coin?
The Mexico 50 Peso Gold Coin, also known as “The Centenario,” is a gold bullion coin, first minted in 1921. Known for its large size, the coin was minted from 1921 to 1931 and 1944 to 1947. In 1949 the coin was minted again. Back in 1921, its original purpose was to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain – it wasn’t intended to be currency.
Interestingly, the 50 Peso face value attached to the coin isn’t related to it’s gold value. The Centenario is 90% gold and 10% copper, and is composed of 37.5 grams, or 1.2057 troy ounces, of actual gold. It measures at 37mm in diameter and weighs 41.67 grams.
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The design of the Mexico 50 Peso Gold Coin
The coin was designed by Emilio del Moral. On the obverse you’ll see the famed image, Winged Victory, otherwise known as “The Angel of Independence ” or El Ángel. The Angel stands with her right hand raised, inside she’s grabbing a laurel wreath; in her left hand are broken chains. This same design would later be reincorporated into gold and silver bullion coins as part of the Mexican Libertad Series. Two recognizable Mexican volcanoes appear behind the Angel: Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl. On the lower left of the coin is a date: 1821, which commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spain. On the right side, the date stamped represents the year the coin was minted.
A special minting of the coin occured in 1943. That year they left out the “50 Pesos” and put in “37.5 Gr Oro Puro” markings; though, the diameter remained 37mm.
Another interesting occured between 1949 and 1972. During those years, most of the coins minted were labeled with the year “1947”.
On the coin’s reverse, the Mexican coat of arms is featured. The design incorporates a Golden eagle with a rattlesnake in its beak; the bird is perched upon a cactus. Perhaps one of the coin’s more striking features is the phrase “INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD,” or Independence And Liberty, inscribed around its outer rim.
Minting history of the Centenario
Below is the year the coin was minted and the number of coins that were minted that year.
- 1921 – 180,000 coins
- 1922 – 463,000 coins
- 1923 – 432,000 coins
- 1924 – 439,000 coins
- 1925 – 716,000 coins
- 1926 – 600,000 coins
- 1927 – 606,000 coins
- 1928 – 538,000 coins
- 1929 – 458,000 coins
- 1930 – 372,000 coins
- 1931 – 137,000 coins
- 1943 – 89,000 coins
- 1944 – 593,000 coins
- 1945 – 1,012,000 coins
- 1946 – 1,588,000 coins
- 1947 – 309,000 coins
- 1949-1972 – 3,975,654 coins
- 1996 – 7,954,777 coins
- 2000-2009 – 302,000 coins
Specifications
- It weighs 1.2057 Ounces
- The gross weight is 41.67 grams or 1.3396 Troy oz
- The actual gold weight is 37.50 grams or 1.2057 Troy oz
- The denomination is 50 Mexican Pesos
- The composition of the coin is .900 gold or 21.6 Karat
- In diameter the coin is 37.00 MM or 1.4567 Inches
- In thickness the coin is 2.69 MM or .104 Inches
- The specific gravity of the coin is 17.16 approximate
How many karats is the Centenario?
The Centenario is 21.6 karat gold. It is composed of 90% gold and 10% alloy.
Can you buy the Centenario?
Yes. When purchasing a Centenario aka a Mexico 50 Peso Gold Coin, you’re buying 21.6 karats of gold. The most important thing to consider is the purity and the content of the precious metal. Once the Mexican government minted the Centenario as its official gold coin, it has been marketed toward investors, coin hobbyists, and numismatists. This coin is considered especially collectable for its unique design and size, and also for its bargain value. Comprised of 90% gold and 10% alloy, this coin is different than other international gold collectable coins.
These coins are popular with collectors in the US and abroad. As always, when purchasing coins it’s important to work with a reputable dealer who has the correct paperwork and knowledge to understand what they’re working with.
Choose Crown Gold Exchange
Crown Gold Exchange holds the utmost respect for you and your valuables. When you visit one of our locations, we make sure that you feel welcome, and that your property is protected. We use industry-standard equipment to ensure accurate measurement of your valuables, and we have a special process to keep your valuables safe. Our accuracy enables us to offer you top dollar, and we have several different payment methods available for your convenience, so you won’t be waiting around to get paid.
Crown Gold Exchange will purchase any kind of gold you bring us, including 8-karat, 10-karat, 14-karat, 18-karat, 21-karat, 22-karat, 24-karat, or anything else. We buy gold bars, gold bullion, gold jewelry and some gold plated items like pocket watches. If you happen to be in possession of an exclusive piece made by a top gold designer such as Cartier, Tiffany, Rolex, or Patek Philippe, we will often pay more than the weight of the item. Such special pieces often command a higher price on the secondary market due to their superior craftsmanship.
