To learn about Mexican Gold Coins we have to learn a brief history of Mexico. When Mexico won its Independence from Spain in 1821, they celebrated it by erecting a giant statue in the middle of Mexico City. The statue was named "El Angel de la Independecia" which translates into "The Angel of Independence". The statue measures 6.7 meters tall and is made of gold and bronze. The angel represents a "Winged Victory", holding on her right hand a laurel crown which symbolizes Victory andon her left hand she holds a broken chain which symbolizes freedom.
The First Minted Centenario
In celebration of 100 years of indepence, the Mexican congress passed a law in 1921 to mint its first 1 ounce gold coin named Centenario most commonly known as the 50 pesos gold coin. This 50 pesos gold coin depicts the "Angel of Independence" on the obverse which is the same image as the statue built in 1821 in Mexico City. The two famous Mexican volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihautl, rise in the background.
The year 1821 on the lower left commemorates the year of Mexico's independence and on the lower right the year of the coin's mintage. The reverse it depicts the traditional Mexicancoat of arms with a golden eagle devouring a snake while perched on top of a cactus. The Centenario gold coin is known worldwide for its beauty and is sought after by collectors and investors alike.
In total Mexico released 6 different gold coins in different denominations known as the “Centenario Family”. It includes:
- 50 Pesos Gold Coin – Centenario
- 20 Pesos Gold Coin – Aztec Sun
- 10 Pesos Gold Coin - Hidalgo
- 5 Pesos Gold Coin – Hidalgo ½
- 2.5 Pesos Gold coin – Hidaldo ¼
- 2 Pesos Gold Coin – Hidalgo 1/5
All the 50 pesos, 10 pesos, and 5 pesos gold coins have the Mexican eagle facing forward which is an old version of the coat of arms designed in the French Style from the late 1800's. The 20 pesos gold coin depicts the Aztec Calendar or Sun Stone and a more modern version of the coat of arms with the eagle facing sideways.
The 10 Pesos Mexican Gold coins feature Miguel Hidalgo considered the key person in the Mexican revolution and therefore called the "Father of the Nation". His open defiance for Spanish rule united Mestizos and indigenous peasants in a revolt in 1810, thus beginning Mexico's War of Independence. Mexican Gold Coins are known worldwide for their beauty and their high gold count of 1.2057 troy ounce (37.5 grams).
To learn about each individual coin in the with mintage year, mintage numbers and other information, please view our navigation on the right.