Mexican 50 Pesos Centenario Gold Coin Restrike
Coin/Bullion · Casa de Moneda de Mexico (Mexican Mint), founded in 1535, the oldest mint in the Americas, renowned for producing high-purity bullion and historic coinage.
Pattern: Centenario 50 Pesos Bullion Series, introduced in 1921 to commemorate the centennial of Mexican Independence.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Casa de Moneda de Mexico (Mexican Mint), founded in 1535, the oldest mint in the Americas, renowned for producing high-purity bullion and historic coinage.
Material
0.900 gold and 0.100 copper alloy, containing 37.5 grams (1.2057 troy oz) of pure gold.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 37 mm, thickness approximately 2.69 mm, gross weight 41.67 grams containing 37.5 grams of pure gold.
Description
An iconic large format gold bullion piece featuring the majestic winged Victory on the obverse and the classic Mexican coat of arms on the reverse. With a substantial weight of over 41 grams and high gold purity, this piece is one of the most famous and recognizable bullion coins globally, combining rich historical commemoration with high intrinsic precious metal value.
Key Features
High gold weight (over 1.2 troy ounces of pure gold), striking high-relief artwork depicting the Ángel de la Independencia, iconic historical status among world gold bullion.
Material & Composition
0.900 gold and 0.100 copper alloy, containing 37.5 grams (1.2057 troy oz) of pure gold.
Finish & Decoration
Brilliant uncirculated or proof-like finish with high-relief details. The obverse features the traditional winged Victory of the Independence Monument (El Ángel) against the backdrop of the volcanoes Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl, along with the face value '50 PESOS' and the gold weight '37.5 g ORO PURO'. The reverse displays the historic coat of arms of Mexico—an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a snake—surrounded by the legend 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mintmark 'Mo' (Casa de Moneda de Mexico) typically located near the base of the design. Purity and weight stamps include '37.5 g ORO PURO'.
Construction Details
Struck by modern hydraulic coining presses from prepared planchets, featuring reeded edge lettering ('INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD').
Functional Features
Large bullion coin designed primarily as a store of wealth and investment rather than daily currency circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
None, standard round coin profile with a reeded edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional deep relief striking by the Mexican Mint, featuring crisp micro-details on the feathers of the eagle and the folds of Victory's garments, demonstrating world-class minting standards.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter-to-thickness ratio, distinct 'Mo' mintmark, precise weight of 41.67 grams, expected reeded edge inscription ('Independencia y Libertad'). Requires specific gravity testing or XRF analysis for definitive countermeasure against sophisticated counterfeits.
Origin & Manufacturing
Mexico City, Mexico, produced by the official national mint following strict governmental metallurgical standards.
Era & Period
Modern Bullion Era (1949-1972 official restrike period, though later clandestine and authorized restrikes occurred).
Age Estimate
Mid to late 20th century (commonly dated 1947 as an official restrike year regardless of actual striking date between 1949 and 1972).
Cultural Significance
Represents Mexican national pride, independence, and the enduring stability of gold as a universal currency and safe-haven asset.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in brilliant uncirculated or collector condition with minimal handling marks. Surface luster remains bright with sharp high-relief details. Grade estimated as Uncirculated to Mint State.
Value Estimate
Valued primarily based on the current spot price of gold for 1.2057 troy ounces of pure gold, plus a modest numismatic or bullion premium determined by current market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Handle only by the edges wearing clean cotton gloves to avoid skin oils. Store in an inert plastic capsule or professionally graded slab within a secure, climate-controlled environment. Never clean or polish the coin.
Similar Pieces
South African Krugerrand, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, American Gold Eagle, Austrian 4 Corona restrikes.
Interesting Facts
Despite showing the date 1947, the vast majority of these coins are officially minted restrikes produced between 1949 and 1972 to meet global investment demand. It contains more pure gold than an American Gold Eagle of the one-ounce denomination.