Mexican 50 Pesos Gold Coins

Mexican 50 Pesos are the most magnificent gold coins on the market.  However, they are not always available.  Mexican 50 Pesos are ideal for gold bullion coin investors wanting gold coins with small premiums.

Each coin 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, as are the popular American Eagle Gold Coins.)

First issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, the Mexican 50 Peso gold coin is also known as the Centenario.

Mexican 50 Pesos Description

The Mexican 50 Pesos gold coin is 20% larger than the 1-oz American Gold Eagle coin.  The obverse bears 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 Mexico’s 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 50 Pesos carry small premiums over the restrikes  The 1921 and the 1931 coins, on the other hand, can carry large premiums. The reverse depicts the Mexican Coat of Arms, which is an eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent in its beak.

The photo is of a “mint condition” 50 Pesos. 50 Pesos do not have the beautiful finish exhibited by the coin in the photo. 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, Mexican 50 Peso gold coins quickly became one of the gold bullion industry’s standard bearers, along with the Austrian 100 Corona. Because CMIGS is located in Phoenix, Arizona, we often see a lot of 50 Pesos.

The tremendous success of Krugerrands in the early 1970s drove the 50 Pesos and the Austrian 100 Coronas into obscurity, where they have remained. Because they are not well known coins, Mexican 50 Pesos and the Austrian 100 Coronas sell at lower premiums that do Gold Eagles and Krugerrands.  During the 2008-2009 World Financial Crisis, new Mexican 50 Peso gold coins were minted and shipped to the United States to help meet the tremendous demand for gold.

Low Premium Gold Bullion Coins

Mexican Gold 50 Pesos and Austrian 100 Coronas are ideal for gold buyers who want low premium gold coins, coins that have small markups over spot.  Generally, Austrian 100 Corona gold coins are more readily available than are Mexican 50 Pesos.

Because these two coins are no longer promoted, they carry lower premiums than the more popular bullion coins, such as American Gold Eagles and South African Krugerrands.

Buying Mexican 50 Pesos Gold Bullion Coins

If you would like to discuss buying Mexican 50 Pesos or any form of gold or silver, call us at 1-800-528-1380.  Located in the Phoenix, Arizona financial district, CMI Gold & Silver Inc. is one of the country’s oldest and most respected gold dealers.   We take calls Mondays through Fridays, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm MST.