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Mexican Gold Coins
Both historic and modern coins from the Mint are prized by collectors worldwide as the Mexican Mint is amongst the world leaders in coin mintage. From the Gold Peso to its gold counterpart the Libertads, both remain among the top of the annual ‘must have’ lists of many collectors as iconic mementos of Mexico’s rich history.
Which Mexican Coins Are Gold?
Although there are a variety of gold coins that the Mexican Mint has produced throughout the years, the two primary and most popular Mexican gold coins are the Peso and Libertads, both of which are available through coin dealers throughout the world.
The Mexican Mint
Mexico has a rich numismatic history from all the way back when Mexico was under Spain’s rule. The Mexican Mint, or better known as “Casa de Moneda de México,” is one the oldest mints in the Americas. Dating back almost five centuries, it’s no surprise that the Mint has produced stunning coins since 1535 by Antonio de Mendoza in New Spain.
In more recent Mexican Mint history, from 1925 until 1986, the Bank of Mexico had political control of the mint and was known as the Casa de Moneda. It wasn’t really until 1992 that the mint was transferred from Mexico City to San Luis Potosi. The Bank of Mexico has moved from running all of the Mint’s operations to just maintaining administrative control, distributing the coins, and remaining one of the Mint's largest clients to this day.
During this transition, specifically in 1992, Mexican coinage and currency greatly reformed their processes with gold coins in Mexico that resulted in the creation of a brand new Peso and commemorative coins in addition to circulating coinage. This reform made the Mexican Peso the most widely traded currency in Latin America and helped add to the stability of Mexico’s economy.
Types of Gold Mexican Coins
In 1921, the gold Peso was introduced to commemorate 100 years of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Then, In 1981 the Mexican Mint introduced the Libertad gold bullion coin with the sole goal to compete with other world-leading gold bullion coins like the South African Krugerrand and the Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin.
What Is the Mexican Gold Coin Called?
Aside from gold Pesos and Libertads, the most notable Mexican gold bullion coin is the Centenario which was first minted in 1921 commemorating Mexico’s 100th anniversary of its independence from Spain.
Mexican Gold Pesos
Winning its independence in 1821 after 11 long years of war, the entire country fell into a period of anarchy resulting in vast instability throughout Mexico. All of this made it impossible to continue mint operations within Mexico City; instead, production was split into various workshops throughout the country, one of which was located in San Luis Potosi where the modern Mexican Mint currently lies.
By the early 20th century, new minting electric technologies enabled the mint to regain its own coinage production, and to commemorate the centennial anniversary of Mexico’s independence, the Mint created the 50 Peso Gold Bullion and the Centenario with denominations from 50 all the way down to 2 Pesos. Today, the Mexican Peso is the world's 8th most traded currency.
50 Pesos Mexican Gold Coin
- Composition: 90% gold 10% copper,
- Bullion Content: 1.2057 troy ounces (37.5 grams)
- Obverse: Angel of Independence
- Reverse: Golden Eagle with Serpent
- Face Value: 50 pesos
- Year First Minted: 1921
- Composition: 90% gold 10% copper
- Bullion Content: 0.4823 troy ounces (15 grams)
- Obverse: Aztec Sun Stone
- Reverse: Golden Eagle and Snake
- Face Value: 20 pesos
- Years Minted: 1917-1921, 1960-1971, 2000-2009
10 Pesos Mexican Gold Coin
- Composition: 90% gold 10% copper
- Bullion Content: 0.2411 troy ounces (7.50 grams)
- Obverse: Profile Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
- Reverse: Eagle with Serpent
- Face Value: 10 pesos
- Years Minted: 1905-1920, 1959
5 Pesos Mexican Gold Coin
- Composition: 90% gold 10% copper
- Bullion Content: 0.1205 troy ounces (3.75 grams)
- Obverse: Profile Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
- Reverse: Eagle with Serpent
- Face Value: 5 pesos
- Years Minted: 1905-1920, 1955-1972, 2000-2009
2.5 Pesos Mexican Gold Coin
- Composition: 90% gold 10% copper
- Bullion Content: 0.0602 troy ounces (1.87 grams)
- Obverse: Profile Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
- Reverse: Eagle with Serpent
- Face Value: 2.5 pesos
- Years Minted: 1918-1921, 1944-1972
2 pesos Mexican Gold Coin
- Composition: 90% gold 10% copper
- Bullion Content: 0.0482 troy ounces (1.50 grams)
- Obverse: DOS PESOS
- Reverse: Eagle with Serpent
- Face Value: 2 pesos
- Years Minted: 1919-1920, 1944-1948, 1951-present
Mexican Gold Libertads
In 1982, the Libertad was introduced to collectors across the globe from the Mexican Mint as direct competition with other bullion releases like the Gold American Eagle and Gold Maple Leaf. The Libertad continues to hold great significance for the Mexican people.
Unlike most other national bullion coins, however, Mexican Libertads don’t have a legal tender amount/face value, but rather are backed by a promise from the Mexican government to pay out the coin’s value based on the weight and metal purity inscribed on the coin.
There are two kinds of Libertads: gold and silver. They are released in Libertad proof sets and brilliant uncirculated form, as well as in multiple sizes.
History of the Mexican Gold Libertad
The history of the Gold Libertad coin is closely tied to its silver counterpart. From 1982 to 1995, the silver coin obverse, and through 1999 the gold coin obverse, were based on the 1921 Centenario gold coin featuring the “Winged Liberty” statue.
The alluring classic design is what gives the widespread appeal of these coins, and coupled with their high production quality and traditionally low mintages, the Libertad has emerged as one of the most popular modern coin series.
Design of the Mexican Gold Libertad
Released in proof sets and brilliant uncirculated versions, the term Libertad translates to liberty as the coin’s reverse depicts Mexico City’s iconic statue “Winged Liberty.” The obverse shows the national symbol of Mexico, an eagle perched on top of a cactus and eating a snake, surrounded by different seals that have been used throughout Mexican history.
Reasons to Collect Mexican Gold Libertads
With mintages sometimes as low as the hundreds makes many past issues of Gold Libertads of interest to collectors. . Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and production issues throughout 2020, the 2020 gold proof Libertad coins will include some of the lowest mintages of the entire series to date at 250 for each of the five minted sizes in the proof finish.