Mexico 50 Pesos 'Centenario'
Country of Origin: Mexico / Casa de Moneda de México
Year of Issue: 1947 (Visible)
Denomination: 50 Pesos
Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper (0.900 fineness)
Brief Description
A cut and drilled piece of a gold Mexican 50 Pesos coin. Approximately half the coin remains with a large central hole.
Historical Significance
Originally issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. The 1947 date is the most common, as millions were restruck between 1949 and 2009 using the 1947 dies.
Estimated Value
Melt value only ($1,100 - $1,250 USD approx, based on current gold weight of the fragment). As a numismatic piece, it has no collector premium due to the severe damage.
Care Instructions
Keep in a soft protective pouch; avoid further mechanical damage. Do not clean, as it can further reduce surface integrity, though value is currently tied mostly to gold content.
Mint Mark
Mo (Mexico City Mint) - typically located on the reverse near the bottom left, though partially obscured here.
Mintage & Rarity
Common (1947 restrikes are very common with over 3.9 million produced). However, this specific specimen is severely damaged/altered.
Weight & Diameter
Full coin: 41.67g, 37mm; This fragment: Estimated ~20g based on the visual of half the coin remaining.
Edge
Lettered (Originally 'INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD', though mostly removed here)
Apparent Grade
Damaged / Cull (The coin has been cut in half and drilled for use as jewelry or for bullion harvesting).
Obverse (Front)
Winged Victory (The Angel of Independence) holding a laurel wreath and broken chains, with volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl in the background. Legands '37.5G ORO PURO' and date '1947' are visible.
Reverse (Back)
The Mexican National Emblem: an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak. Legend 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS' is partially visible around the rim.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The primary value factor here is the weight of the remaining gold. The numismatic (collector) value is destroyed by the cut and the hole.
Similar Coins
The 20 Pesos gold coin (smaller) or various Centenario medals and restrikes.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Authentic gold has a specific density; given the damage, a local coin shop should weigh and test it with a Sigma metal analyzer or XRF. Counterfeits in base metal exist but are usually poorly detailed.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1921 and 1931 are key dates; 1947 is the standard bullion restrike date.
Created At: 2026-04-23T04:47:41.804049