Obverse

Reverse

1 Peso

Mexico One Peso (Morelos Type)

Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) · 1979

A standard circulation Mexican peso featuring the profile of José María Morelos and the Mexican National Coat of Arms.

Country: Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos)
Year: 1979
Denomination: 1 Peso
Metal: Copper-Nickel

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 standard circulation Mexican peso featuring the profile of José María Morelos and the Mexican National Coat of Arms.

Historical significance

José María Morelos was a Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary rebel leader who led the Mexican War of Independence movement after the execution of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. This coin series (1970-1983) reflects Mexico's pre-1992 currency system.

Obverse (front)

Features the bust of José María Morelos facing left. To the left is the denomination 'UN PESO', to the right is the 'Mo' mint mark, and the year of issue '1979' is at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

Features the National Coat of Arms of Mexico: a Mexican golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a snake. Surrounded by the legend 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS' and a bottom wreath.

Estimated value

$0.25-$0.75 circulated, $2.00-$5.00 in Mint State (UNC)

What drives this coin's value

Being a high-mintage base metal coin, value is primarily driven by eye appeal and the presence of original mint luster. Key dates within the series (e.g., 1983) are more sought after.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (VF). Visible wear on the higher points of Morelos' features and the eagle's plumage; some surface oxidation and scratches consistent with circulation.

Mintage & rarity

173,732,000 (Very Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits of this specific non-precious year are rare, but verify the edge lettering 'INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD' and the weight (9.0g).

Notable varieties & errors

None widely recognized for the 1979 year; collectors generally look for high-grade specimens or rare 1983 dates.

Similar coins

Often confused with the smaller Cupro-Nickel pesos of the 1980s or the earlier silver 'Tepalcate' pesos of similar design.

Care & preservation

Do not clean with abrasives or chemicals, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free coin holder to prevent environmental damage. Handle by the edges only.

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