The Mexican 50 Pesos Centenario Gold Coin is one of the most famous and sought-after gold coins from Mexico. It was first minted in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, hence the name “Centenario.”
Centenario Design and Specifications
Obverse: The obverse features the iconic image of “Winged Victory,” a depiction of the Roman goddess Victoria standing on a pedestal, holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and broken chains in her left. Behind her are the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. “1821” is inscribed to commemorate the beginning of Mexico’s independence.
Reverse: The reverse shows Mexico’s national coat of arms, featuring a golden eagle perched on a cactus, holding a snake in its beak and talon. The country “Estados Unidos Mexicanos” (United Mexican States) is around the eagle.
The Centenario Gold Coin has a gross weight of 41.67 grams and 37.5 grams (1.2057 troy ounces) of pure gold, making it one of the largest and heaviest gold coins in circulation.
The coin is 90% gold (21.6 karats), with the remaining 10% being copper, which gives it a distinct reddish hue. The diameter of the Centenario is 37 mm, while the thickness is 2.69mm.
Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Mexico’s Independence from Spain
The Mexican government sought to honor this landmark occasion by creating a coin that symbolized national pride and celebrated freedom.
The Centenario 50 Pesos Gold coin’s first year of minting was 1921. However, its production continued for many years, with a notable reissue in the 1940s and 1950s due to the high demand for gold coins. Some of these later issues bear the original date of 1947, making them re-strikes rather than original coins.
Investment and Collectibility
Due to its significant gold content and historical significance, the Centenario is a popular choice among investors and collectors. Its relatively low premium over the gold spot price makes it an attractive option for those looking to invest in gold.
The coin is also admired for its detailed and beautiful design, making it a favorite among numismatists.
Centenario 50 Pesos Coin Mintage History
| Year | Mintage Amount |
|---|---|
| 1921 | 180,000 |
| 1922 | 463,000 |
| 1923 | 432,000 |
| 1924 | 439,000 |
| 1925 | 716,000 |
| 1926 | 600,000 |
| 1927 | 606,000 |
| 1928 | 538,000 |
| 1929 | 458,000 |
| 1930 | 372,000 |
| 1931 | 137,000 |
| 1943 | 89,000 |
| 1944 | 593,000 |
| 1945 | 1,012,000 |
| 1946 | 1,588,000 |
| 1947 | 309,000 |
| 1949-1972 | 4,449,554 * |
Originally minted from 1921 until 1931, the Centenario 50 Pesos Gold coins were suspended because of diminished demand during the Great Depression, when many countries removed gold coins from circulation.
Minting resumed in 1943 and continued through 1947 as demand for gold increased due to the Second World War.
Many American investors and collectors looked to foreign gold coins to legally own gold during this period.
The Mexico Gold Pesos became popular for those who wanted to store wealth in physical gold without violating the U.S. prohibition.
Because the Centenario was considered a collectible from a foreign country, it often avoided the strict regulations imposed on domestic gold. American collectors viewed it as a reliable store of value that was also portable, durable, and globally recognized.
Centenario Restrikes
Production of restrike coins began in 1949, with all coins minted continuing to bear the 1947 date. 1947 Centenario restrike coins were minted through 1972.
In 1996, the Mexican Mint began another production run of restrikes and minted at least 7,954,777 coins. These restrike Centenario coins are commonly available as investment-grade gold bullion coins.