Mexico 20 Centavos (Pyramid of the Sun series)

Mexico (Banco de México) · 1943

A copper-colored Mexican 20 centavos coin featuring the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan on one side and the Mexican coat of arms on the other, surrounded by an inner beaded rim.

Country: Mexico (Banco de México)
Year: 1943
Denomination: 20 Centavos
Metal: Bronze (95% Copper, 2.5% Tin, 2.5% Zinc)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

A copper-colored Mexican 20 centavos coin featuring the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan on one side and the Mexican coat of arms on the other, surrounded by an inner beaded rim.

Historical significance

Issued during the mid-20th century under President Manuel Ávila Camacho, this series celebrated Mexico's rich pre-Columbian archaeological heritage, specifically the famous Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan.

Obverse (front)

Features the Mexican national coat of arms (a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a serpent), surrounded by the legend 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS' above and an open wreath below.

Reverse (back)

Depicts the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan with mountains in the background, a radiant Phrygian cap (Liberty cap) above the denomination '20', the word 'CENTAVOS', the year '1943', and the Mexico City Mint mark 'Mo'.

Estimated value

$2-$5 in circulated condition, $10-$30 in Mint State uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Overall state of preservation, presence of original mint luster, absence of environmental damage or cleaning marks, and key date status for other years in the series.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with strong details and pleasing original copper-brown luster and toning.

Mintage & rarity

Common; mintage for 1943 is relatively high, making it readily accessible to collectors.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, diameter, and magnetic properties (bronze is non-magnetic). Counterfeits are rare due to the modest face and collector value of common dates.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor variations in die alignments, size of numerals, and mint mark placements exist, but major error varieties are uncommon for this specific year.

Similar coins

Other Mexican bronze fractional denominations from the 20th century such as the 10 centavos or 5 centavos featuring different indigenous or historical motifs.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing toning or corrosion. Store in a cool, dry place in an inert PVC-free flip or capsule. Do not clean.