Mexico 10 Centavos (Calendario Azteca)
Country of Origin: Mexico - United Mexican States
Year of Issue: 1939
Denomination: 10 Centavos
Composition: Silver (.800 fineness)
Brief Description
A silver Mexican coin featuring the national eagle emblem and the value set against the central ring of the Aztec Stone of the Sun.
Historical Significance
Minted during the transition years leading into WWII, these silver centavos represent a period when Mexico maintained high-quality silver coinage for daily circulation before shifting to lower-value compositions.
Estimated Value
$1.50 - $4.00 in circulated condition; $15.00 - $35.00 in Mint State (MS-63+)
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent oxidation. Never clean the coin, as harsh chemicals or rubbing will strip away the original luster and significantly reduce its numismatic value.
Mint Mark
M° (Mexico City Mint), located at the top center above the '10' on the reverse.
Mintage & Rarity
Approximately 12,050,000; relatively common, though becoming scarcer in high uncirculated grades.
Weight & Diameter
3.33 grams / 19 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine (VF). Heavy wear is visible on the eagle's breast and the higher points of the Aztec calendar, with significant dirt and oxidation in the recesses.
Obverse (Front)
The National Coat of Arms of Mexico featuring a golden eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak. Inscription 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS' is written in a semi-circle.
Reverse (Back)
The numeral '10' above 'CENTAVOS' and the year '1939'. The central design is surrounded by elements from the Aztec Calendar (Piedra del Sol).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Silver content (melt value), high-grade preservation, and the clarity of the Aztec calendar details are the primary value drivers.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the smaller 5 Centavos of the same period or the later 20 Centavos copper-nickel versions which also use Aztec motifs.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Verify weight (3.33g) and check for the distinct reeded edge. Counterfeits of this specific year are uncommon due to its relatively low value, but silver-plated base metal copies do exist.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major die varieties are widely recognized for 1939, though collectors look for doubling in the mint mark or dates.
Created At: 2026-06-28T00:55:49.156497