The Mexican 50 Pesos Gold Coin, widely known as the Centenario gold coin, is one of the most recognizable large-format gold coins in the world. First issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence (hence “Centenario”), it blends a striking national design with exceptional bullion utility, which is why both coin collectors and bullion investors prize it today.
With premiums on many sovereign gold coins volatile, Centenarios typically trade at low spreads close to melt, offering one of the most efficient ways to add >1.20 troy ounces of gold per coin to a stack, while still owning a historic, globally recognized piece. The 50 Pesos Centenario Gold Coin is one of the most famous and sought-after gold coins from Mexico.
Centenario Design & Specifications
Obverse (front)
- Winged Victory (“Independencia”) stands with laurel wreath and broken chains, backed by the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
- Legends typically include “50 PESOS” and “37.5 Gr. ORO PURO” with “1821” (independence) and the coin date.
Reverse (back)
- Mexican coat of arms—a golden eagle on a cactus with a serpent—encircled by “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS.”
Technical specs (standard issue)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country / Mint | Mexico / La Casa de Moneda de México |
| Denomination | 50 Pesos (legal tender; face value is nominal) |
| Fineness / Alloy | .900 gold (21.6 kt) / 10% copper (for durability & reddish hue) |
| Actual Gold Weight (AGW) | 1.2057 troy oz (37.5 g fine) |
| Gross Weight | 41.67 g |
| Diameter | 37.0 mm |
| Thickness | ~2.69 mm |
| Edge | Lettered (“INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD”) |
The copper alloy makes Centenarios tougher than .999 coins, helping reduce contact marks in circulation and storage, helpful for bullion buyers.
50 Pesos Gold Coin Mintage History
Highlights
- 1921–1931: Original Centenario production to honor the centennial of independence.
- 1943–1947: Minting resumed during WWII-era gold demand.
- 1949–1972: Restrikes produced bearing the date 1947 (all struck later still show 1947).
- 1996 onward: The Mexican Mint initiated another restrike program; modern restrikes are common as investment-grade bullion. (Cumulative restrike output is substantial; later restrikes remain dated 1947.)
Full 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 * |
Collector note: Most Centenarios on the market today are 1947-dated restrikes. Earlier 1920s–1931 coins can command numismatic premiums in better grades.
How Much Is a 50 Pesos Gold Coin Worth?
The core driver is the coin’s melt value (its fine gold content multiplied by the live gold spot price):
Melt value formula:
1.2057 troy oz × current gold spot = melt value
- Example: if spot = $3643.7, melt ≈ $4393.2 (before premiums/fees).
Typical market pricing (illustrative ranges in normal conditions):
- Common 1947 restrike (circulated to nice BU): ~2%–6% over melt
- Choice BU / attractive luster: can reach ~5%–8% over melt
- Original 1920s–1931 issues: collector premiums vary widely by date/grade
- Dealer buybacks: often ~1%–3% under melt for common restrikes (market dependent)
Reality check: Spreads move with volatility, supply, and demand. During tight supply or heavy retail demand, premiums and buy/sell spreads can temporarily widen.
Many American investors and collectors looked to foreign gold coins due to their status as numismatics as a way to bypass the ban on gold ownership and legally acquire 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 was a way to avoid the strict regulations imposed on producing domestic gold for investing. 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.
