Introduction to the Mexican Centenario

The 1947 Mexican 50 peso coin holds a special place among the world's gold coins. In numismatic circles, it is better known as the 'Centenario.' This coin attracts attention not only for its weight but also for its rich history.

Despite its impressive nature, the Centenario is a fairly common coin. Its total mintage is nearly 5 million pieces, making it accessible to a wide range of collectors and investors. It is the large mintage that gives the coin an 'attractive' price, close to the value of the precious metal it contains.

Mintage History and Restrike Status

It is important to understand that all Centenario coins dated '1947' are official restrikes, meaning they were minted later. They were issued in various periods: from the 1950s to the 1970s, as well as in the 1990s and 2000s. Because of this, the coins have been preserved in excellent condition, as they never entered actual circulation.

Initially, when first issued in 1921, these coins were intended for circulation, and their face value corresponded to the value of gold. However, the 1947 restrikes were no longer tied to their face value and went directly into the hands of investors and collectors.

Unique Weight Characteristics

The Centenario stands out in the market due to its weight. It is one of the few available gold coins with a pure metal mass exceeding one troy ounce. This feature makes it particularly attractive to investors in physical gold.

The coin's main parameters make it one of the heaviest on the market among its counterparts.

There are very few available coins of such a large weight on the market, which gives the Centenario additional uniqueness.

Obverse Design: The Goddess Victoria and the Sacred Volcanoes

The obverse of the coin features a majestic image of the winged goddess of victory, Victoria. This image was borrowed from a real monument — the Angel of Independence, located in the center of Mexico City. The statue on the column itself is 7 meters high, cast in bronze, and covered in gold.

The depiction of the goddess is characterized by its high relief and fine detail. In addition to the central figure, other important symbols are present on the obverse:

• The face value '50 PESOS'.
• The year Mexico gained independence from Spain — 1821.
• The year the coin was issued — 1947.

In the background are two volcanoes sacred to the indigenous peoples of the Americas: Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. These same volcanoes can also be found on other Mexican coins, including the famous Libertad.

The Reverse and Its Symbolism

The reverse of the coin is no less symbolic and detailed. Along the coin's edge is the inscription 'ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS,' which translates to 'United Mexican States'.

The central part of the reverse features the national coat of arms of Mexico — an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. The image of the coat of arms is also executed in high relief, allowing one to see the finest details, including each feather of the bird.

Investment Value and Popularity

The value of the Centenario, approximately $2,500, is primarily determined by its high gold content. The numismatic premium is low, which makes the coin an attractive investment tool.

The restrike format allows one to acquire a coin with a historic design in perfect condition without overpaying for collector rarity. This provides an opportunity to touch history at a price close to the value of the metal. A similar approach is used in the issuance of other famous restrikes, such as the Austrian ducats.

The Mexican Centenario is very popular in the United States. After acquiring national investment coins, such as the 'Buffalo' or gold dollars, American investors often turn their attention to the products of neighboring countries, and the Centenario is one of the most interesting offerings.