Coin Identifier
Mexican 50 Pesos Gold Centenario — obverse
Obverse
Mexican 50 Pesos Gold Centenario — reverse
Reverse
50 Pesos

Mexican 50 Pesos Gold Centenario

Mexico (Banco de México / Casa de Moneda de México) · 1947 (commonly restruck between 1949 and 1972)

A large, heavy gold bullion coin featuring the Winged Victory (Angel of Independence) on the obverse and the Mexican coat of arms (eagle on a cactus devouring a serpent) on the reverse.

Country
Mexico (Banco de México / Casa de Moneda de México)
Year
1947 (commonly restruck between 1949 and 1972)
Denomination
50 Pesos

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Overview

A large, heavy gold bullion coin featuring the Winged Victory (Angel of Independence) on the obverse and the Mexican coat of arms (eagle on a cactus devouring a serpent) on the reverse.

Historical significance

First issued in 1921 to commemorate the centennial of Mexico's independence from Spain (1821). It is one of the world's most famous and iconic bullion and semi-numismatic gold coins.

Obverse (front)

Features the Winged Victory (La Victoria Alada / Angel of Independence) holding a laurel wreath in her right hand and broken chains in her left. In the background are the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. Inscriptions include '50 PESOS', '37,5 gr. ORO PURO', and the dates '1821' and '1947'.

Reverse (back)

Displays the traditional Mexican coat of arms: a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a snake, surrounded by the legend 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS' and a wreath of oak and laurel.

Estimated value

$2,300 - $2,600 USD (primarily driven by its melt value of pure gold plus a modest collector premium)

What drives this coin's value

Primarily valued for its actual gold weight (AGW), but original issues (such as 1921, 1943, or low-mintage years) command significant numismatic premiums.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) with minor handling marks typical of bullion storage

Mintage & rarity

Common as bullion due to extensive official restrikes (e.g., over 300,000 minted in 1947 alone, and millions of restrikes overall). Original 1921 and certain early dates are rare.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Verify weight (should be exactly 41.67g for a genuine specimen), dimensions (37 mm diameter), check for magnetic properties (should be non-magnetic), and use specific gravity testing or a precious metal analyzer if needed.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1947-dated coin is well known for being heavily restruck in the 1950s and 1960s with identical dies, making actual striking dates difficult to distinguish from stated dates without pedigree or packaging.

Similar coins

Other large gold bullion coins such as the South African Krugerrand, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and American Gold Eagle.

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges wearing clean cotton gloves to avoid skin oils. Store in a secure, climate-controlled environment using inert coin capsules or holders. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning or polishing drastically reduces its numismatic value.