|
 For gold
bullion coin investors wanting gold coins with little premium, the
Mexican 50 Pesos often is ideal.
First issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th
anniversary of Mexicos independence from Spain, the 50 Pesos is
also known as the Centenario. It contains 37.5 grams
(1.2057 oz) of gold in an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper (21.6
karat). For durability, most gold coins in the Western World have
been alloyed with copper.
The 50 Pesos is a strikingly
beautiful gold coin, more than 20% larger than the popular 1-oz
Gold Eagles. The obverse has an image of Winged Victory, with a
laurel wreath in her right hand and broken chains in her left.
Two famous Mexican volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihautl, rise
in the background. The 1821 on the lower left commemorates the
year of Mexicos independence. The date on the right indicates
year of mintage.
However,
between 1949 and 1972, nearly four million pieces were struck,
most likely dated 1947. These are referred to as restrikes;
the earlier coins carry little to no premiums over the restrikes,
except for the 1921 and the 1931 coins. The reverse depicts the
Mexican Coat of Arms, which is an eagle perched on a cactus with a
serpent in its beak.
The photo
above is of a "Mint Condition" 50 Pesos.
50 Pesos do not have the beautiful
finish exhibited by the coin in the photo. For a photo of a
standard grade 50 Pesos,
click
here. Interestingly, while the mint condition coin photo shows the
coin flawless, the photo of a "normal" 50
Pesos exaggerates scratches and bag marks.
When Americans
regained the right to own gold bullion on December 31, 1974,
Mex 50 Pesos, quickly become one of
the gold bullion industrys standard bearers, along with the
Austrian 100 Corona. However, the introduction of the Krugerrand
in the early 1970s drove the 50 Pesos
and the 100 Corona in obscurity, where they have remained. Today,
the 50 Pesos, the 100 Corona, and the
Krugerrand offer investors gold at the lowest prices. |
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