Mexican Gold Pesos
Mexican Gold Peso coins offer a rare intersection of historical significance, intrinsic value, and global recognition. Struck by the Casa de Moneda de México, the oldest mint in the Americas, these coins were issued primarily between 1905 and 1959 and contain .900 fine gold.
Popular denominations include the large-format 50 Peso Centenario, the artistic 20 Peso Aztec Calendar, and fractional coins such as the 10, 5, 2.5, and 2 Peso series.
Each coin is backed by the Mexican government and features national symbols tied to Mexico’s revolutionary and indigenous heritage like Winged Victory, the Aztec Sun Stone, and the Golden Eagle devouring a snake.
These coins are favored by experienced bullion investors for their low premiums over spot, consistent liquidity, and historical relevance. Whether you're building a diversified stack, preserving generational wealth, or acquiring sovereign bullion with deeper meaning, Mexican Gold Pesos remain a trusted, time-tested choice.
First minted in 1905, Mexican peso gold coins have become popular among investors and collectors for their gold content and historical significance. These government-backed fractional gold coins are often available with a meager premium over spot gold price.
Mexican Gold Pesos are a form of gold investment and offer a glimpse into Mexican history and culture. Their variety and beautiful designs make them a desirable item. The naturally fractional gold coin denominations are also practical for stacking.
Mexican Peso Gold Coin Specifications
Minted at the Mexican Mint in Mexico City, each Gold Peso coin is minted with a mix of 90% fine Gold and 10% copper. Adding copper during the minting process provides the Gold Peso coins with a hardness that pure gold alone cannot provide. With the presence of copper, the Mexican Gold Peso coins have a rich history and are proven to withstand the wear and tear of circulation over their extended lifetime.
The coins were issued in various denominations, including 2, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pesos. Each denomination has a different weight and gold content. However, the purity of each denomination remains the same: 90% or 21.6 karats.
The obverse of these coins features the Mexican Coat of Arms, which shows an eagle perched on a cactus in the middle of a lake with a snake in its beak. The reverse design varies by denomination but features iconic Mexican imagery.
Mexican gold pesos are most sought after by collectors for their historical and aesthetic appeal and are valued by investors for their gold content. Prices vary based on market conditions, and it's easy to compare prices across dozens of trusted and reputable online dealers to find the cheapest price.
Gold Pesos Denomination
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Obverse: National Coat of Arms
- Reverse: Winged Victory
- Weight: 1.2057 troy ounces, 37.5 grams, one tael
- Diameter: 37.08 mm, 1.46 inches
- Thickness: 2.69 mm, 0.106 inches
- Face Value: 50 pesos
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Obverse: Golden eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak
- Reverse: "Veinte Pesos" surrounding the Cuauhxicalli Eagle Bowl Aztec Calendar or Sun Stone
- Weight: .4823 troy ounces, 15 grams
- Diameter: 27.5 mm, 1.08 inches
- Thickness: 2.03 mm, 0.79 inches
- Face Value: 20 pesos
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Obverse: The national coat of arms of Mexico
- Reverse: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who started the Mexican Independence in September 1810
- Weight: .2411 troy ounces, 7.5 grams
- Diameter: 22.5 mm, .886 inches
- Thickness: 1.4 mm, .055 inches
- Face Value: 10 pesos
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Obverse: The national coat of arms of Mexico
- Reverse: Features "Cinco Pesos" surrounding Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
- Weight: .1205 troy ounces, 3.75 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm, .748 inches
- Thickness: 1.14 mm, .045 inches
- Face Value: 5 pesos
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Obverse: The national coat of arms of Mexico
- Reverse: "Dos E Medio Pesos" surrounding a depiction of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
- Weight: 0.0602 troy ounces, 1.87 grams
- Diameter: 15.5 mm, .610 inches
- Thickness: .86 mm, .034 inches
- Face Value: 2.5 pesos
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Obverse: The national coat of arms of Mexico
- Reverse: "Dos Pesos" surrounded by a wreath with the date of issue at the top
- Weight: 0.0482 troy ounces, 1.50 grams
- Diameter: 13 mm, .512 inches
- Thickness: 1.02 mm, .040 inches
- Face Value: 2 pesos
Certain denominations and specific year issues may have numismatic value above and beyond their gold content, especially in higher grades or rare or low mintage years.
Collector & Investor Tips (First-Hand Insight)
- Don’t dismiss restrikes. Many Centenarios dated 1947 are restrikes from the '70s and ‘80s—but still minted by the Mexican Mint and fully legit.
- Check edge lettering. Original coins often have edge inscriptions (“INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD”) which are helpful for authenticity checks.
- Weight test matters. A proper 50 Peso coin should weigh ~41.67g and be 37mm in diameter. Always verify when buying raw.
Condition affects premiums. AU or BU examples—especially of 20 Peso Aztec pieces—can command collector premiums. Circulated gold holds melt value.
Mexico Gold Peso Mintage and Coin Details
| Size | Gold Content | Diameter | Thickness | Total Weight | Fineness | Minting Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Has double "37.5 Gr Oro Puro" markings, leaving out the "50 pesos" legend. 2 - Centenario Pesos Restrikes all bearing the date 1947. 3 - Veinte Pesos Restrikes all bearing the date 1959. 4 - Diaz Pesos Restrikes all bearing the date 1959. 5 - Cinco Pesos Restrikes all bearing the date 1955. 6 - Dos y Medio Pesos Restrikes all bearing the date 1945. 7 - Dos Pesos Restrikes all bearing the date 1945. |
||||||
| 50 Peso | 37.5 grams | 37.08 mm | 2.69 mm | 41.67 grams (1.3396 troy oz) |
.900 (90% gold/10% copper) - 21.6 k | 1921-1931, 19431, 1944-1947, 1949-19722, 19962, 2000-20092 |
| 20 Peso | 15.00 grams | 27.43 mm | 2.03 mm | 16.666 grams (.536 troy oz) |
.900 (90% gold/10% copper) - 21.6 k | 1917-1921, 1959, 1960-19713 |
| 10 Peso | 7.4995 grams | 22.5 mm | 1.4 mm | 8.333 grams (.2679 troy oz) |
.900 (90% gold/10% copper) - 21.6 k | 1905-08, 1910, 1916-17, 1919-20, 1959, 1961-724 |
| 5 Peso | 3.7497 grams | 19 mm | 1.14 mm | 4.1665 grams (.1339 troy oz) |
.900 (90% gold/10% copper) - 21.6 k | 1905-07, 1910, 1918-20, 1955-725 |
| 2.5 Peso | 1.8748 grams | 15.5 mm | .86 mm | 2.083 grams (.0670 troy oz) |
.900 (90% gold/10% copper) - 21.6 k | 1919-20, 1944-48, 1951-726 |
| 2 Peso | 1.50 grams | 13 mm | 1.02 mm | 1.6666 grams (.0536 troy oz) |
.900 (90% gold/10% copper) - 21.6 k | 1919-1920, 1944-1947, 1951-19727, 19967 |
Gold Pesos Legacy & Design
First minted in 1905, the Mexican Gold Peso coins commemorate the centennial of Mexico's hard-won independence from Spanish colonial rule.
Commemorating Mexicos Independence
The Mexican War for Independence lasted from 1810 to 1821. A Mexican-born Spaniard, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, led other colonial-born Spaniards, along with Mestizos and Amerindians, in an uprising against the Spanish conquistadors.
Although Hildago was killed shortly following his initial revolt, the Mexicans were ultimately successful in ousting their oppressors, and on September 27, 1821, the Treaty of Cordoba was ratified, giving Mexico sovereignty from Spain. Winged Victory In 1910, the Columna de la Independencia (the Statue of Independence) was erected in Mexico City's Paseo de Reforma, commemorating the start of the war. Atop a massive column is a figure of Winged Victory.
Winged Victory
This Angel is made of bronze and plated in 24-karat gold. In her right hand, she holds a laurel crown, symbolizing victory. On the left, she clutches a broken chain that represents Freedom. At the base of the statue, a mausoleum hosts the remains of war heroes.
The Angel quickly developed as a symbol of national pride in Mexico, and its image was chosen to adorn the Mexican Gold Peso. In 1921, the Mexican 50 gold peso was first minted.
Centenario 50 Pesos
Each 50 Pesos gold coin's reverse depicts Winged Victory in the foreground, with Mexico's volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihauti, in the background. The original Mexican coat of arms was etched in crisp detail on the obverse.The coat of arms features an eagle atop a cactus, devouring a serpent.
Fractional Gold Coins
The national coat of arms is depicted on the obverse of all gold pesos coins.
The reverse of the 20 Pesos Gold Coin has the words "Veinte Pesos" (Twenty Pesos) surrounding the Aztec Calendar Sun Stone.
The reverses of the 10 Pesos Gold Coin, the 5 Pesos Gold Coin, and the 2.5 Pesos Gold Coin all contain a portrait of revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The reverses of these smaller denomination gold pesos also include the denomination's face value surrounding the Hidalgo portrait.
The smallest gold peso, the 2 Pesos Gold Coin, shows a Mexican celebratory wreath, along with the denomination and year of minting.
Compare Prices of Mexican Gold Pesos
Vintage gold coins have a rich history and many investors are attracted to these coins as tangible assets. When buying Mexican Gold Pesos as a store of value, FindBullionPrices.com can help you find the lowest premiums from an assortment of trusted and reputable online bullion dealers. The prices on our site are updated every hour and adjusted for gold spot price. This gives you the tools to compare gold prices.
