The coin was made of silver and weighed about 1.5 grams. It had a diameter of 25.4 mm and a thickness of 2.5 mm. The coin featured the image of Emperor Guangxu, who ruled China from 1908 to 1911, on the obverse, and a dragon on the reverse.

Origins and Design

The Fengtien Tael coin was issued by the Fengtien Province (now known as Liaoning) in northeastern China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These coins, also known as dragon dollars, were produced with the intent of facilitating trade and commerce in the region. The name “Fengtien” refers to the province’s old name and can be found inscribed on the coin.

The coin’s design is notable for its artistic and symbolic elements. The obverse side features a dragon, this intricately designed dragon, a traditional symbol of power and good fortune in Chinese culture, above is an inscription “FEN-TIEN PROVINCE” and “ONE TAEL” below. The reverse depicts four large Chinese characters in the center and an inscription along the top half and along the bottom.

Price and Value

The Fengtien Tael coin is considered the “King of Chinese coins” and has been the subject of much fascination and desire among collectors for many years. The coin’s value has been steadily increasing over the years, with the most recent sale of a Fengtien Tael coin setting a new record price of 46,575,000 RMB (over $6.9 million USD).

The history of the Fengtien Tael coin is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It is believed that the coin was struck as a pattern, which is a trial coin that never circulated. The survival of the coin was in question until 1952 when Chinese coin expert Eduard Kann got a rubbing of an example from someone in Hong Kong. An offer of $2,000 USD was made to purchase the coin and accepted, allowing Kann to add the coin to his personal collection. The next sale would be in the estate of Kann in 1971, where it would be purchased by Irving Goodman for $3,000. When the Irving Goodman collection was sold in 1991, the coin set a new record for Chinese coins of $187,000. After the 1991 sale, it was disclosed that the winner was willing to spend up to $500,000 to purchase this coin. August 12, 2022, it was sold again at an auction in Beijing for $6.9 million USD. This made it the most expensive Chinese coin ever sold.

The reason why the coin is so rare and valuable is because it is believed to be a pattern coin that was only minted as a prototype or test piece before mass production. The coin has no mint mark or date, which makes it even more mysterious and desirable. The coin also has some errors and variations that make it unique among other tael coins.

Economic Significance

The Fengtien Tael was a key element in the intricate economic network of Qing Dynasty China. Silver had long been a standard of exchange and store of value, and these coins facilitated trade and transactions across a vast and diverse empire. The coin’s value, like many taels in China, was based on a fixed weight of silver, and it was widely accepted throughout the country.

International Influence

During the late Qing Dynasty, China was undergoing significant political turmoil and economic transformation. The country was engaging more with the outside world, resulting in increased foreign trade and the influence of foreign powers. The Fengtien Tael coin played a role in this international trade by being recognized and accepted in global markets, contributing to the flow of goods and currency in and out of China.

End of an Era

The Qing Dynasty’s decline and eventual fall, coupled with China’s transition into a republic in the early 20th century, marked the end of the era of traditional Chinese coinage, including the Fengtien Tael. The coin’s production came to a halt as China transitioned to a more modern and centralized monetary system. Additionally, the coin’s silver content made it susceptible to hoarding and melting down, further depleting the supply.

Numismatic Interest

The tael is an ancient unit of weight that was used in China and other Asian countries before the adoption of the metric system. One tael was equal to about 11.66 grams or 0.34 pounds. The tael was also used as a unit of currency until the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911), when paper money replaced metal coins.

Today, the Fengtien Tael coin has garnered significant numismatic interest. Collectors and historians are drawn to its artistic design, historical significance, and role in China’s changing economic landscape. Well-preserved examples of these coins are highly sought after by collectors, contributing to their value as historical artifacts.

In conclusion, the Fengtien Tael coin is an extremely rare and valuable collectible that has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. Its unique history and design make it a fascinating piece of Chinese numismatic history.

The Umayyad Caliphate

The Umayyad Caliphate was one of the first major Islamic empires, ruling from 661 to 750 CE. It was founded by Caliph Muawiya I after the First Islamic Civil War and was based in Damascus, Syria. The Umayyads played a pivotal role in shaping the early Islamic world and expanding the empire’s influence across North Africa, the Middle East, and Spain.

The Reign of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik

Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik ruled the Umayyad Caliphate from 723 to 743 CE. His reign was marked by a period of relative stability and prosperity within the empire. Hisham is known for his efforts in governance, including administrative reforms and patronage of the arts and sciences.

The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar

The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar, also known as the Hisham Gold Dinar, is a gold coin that was minted during the reign of Caliph Hisham. This coin is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and intricate design, reflecting the wealth and cultural sophistication of the Umayyad Caliphate during this era.

Design and Symbolism

The obverse (front) of the 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar features an elegant Arabic inscription that reads, “There is no god but Allah alone. He has no partner.” This declaration is a fundamental tenet of Islam and a testament to the monotheistic beliefs of the Umayyads.

The reverse (back) of the coin displays an Arabic inscription with the name of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik. This inscription is enclosed within a decorative circular border, adding to the coin’s aesthetic appeal.

Historical Significance

The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar is significant for several reasons:

1. Artistic Excellence: The coin is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic beauty. Its intricate calligraphy and design demonstrate the Umayyad Empire’s appreciation for aesthetics and culture.
2. Cultural Legacy: The coin serves as a cultural artifact, providing insights into the Islamic art and calligraphy of the time.
3. Historical Record: The coin bears the name of Caliph Hisham, offering a tangible connection to a specific period in Islamic history. It serves as evidence of the Umayyad Caliphate’s prosperity and administrative achievements.
4. Numismatic Value: The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar is highly sought after by collectors and numismatists due to its historical and aesthetic appeal. Well-preserved specimens can command significant prices at auctions. The coin fetched 3.7 million pounds at auction in 2011, the second-most expensive ever sold at auction. In 2019, another version of the coin was sold for the same amount.

In conclusion, the 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar is not just a coin, it is a testament to the artistic, cultural, and historical richness of the Umayyad Caliphate. It reflects the sophistication of Islamic civilization during the reign of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik and serves as a tangible link to the past. This coin stands as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the early Islamic empires and their contributions to art, culture, and numismatics.

Factors That Affect Demand

The demand for bullion was driven by a number of factors, including global economic uncertainty, low interest rates, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many investors saw bullion as a safe haven asset, offering a hedge against inflation and a store of value in times of uncertainty. The Perth Mint responded to this demand by increasing production, offering a range of bullion products, and expanding its distribution network.

One of the standout products for the Perth Mint in 2022 was its gold bullion coins, which saw a significant increase in sales. The Australian Kangaroo coin, for example, sold out multiple times throughout the year and had to be restocked to meet the demand. The Perth Mint also saw increased demand for its silver bullion products, including the Australian Kookaburra coin and the Australian Lunar series.

In addition to bullion coins, the Perth Mint also saw a rise in demand for its gold and silver bars. These products, which are popular with both collectors and investors, offer a convenient and cost-effective way to own precious metals. The Perth Mint’s bars are made to the highest standards of quality and are widely recognized by bullion dealers and investors around the world.

Sales and Stability

The Perth Mint’s strong sales performance in 2022 is a testament to the continued popularity of precious metals as an investment option. With ongoing global uncertainty, low interest rates, and a recovering economy, many investors are expected to continue to seek out the stability and security offered by bullion. The Perth Mint is well positioned to capitalize on this demand, with a reputation for quality products and a long history of serving the bullion market.

Perth Mint December sales of minted silver coins and silver bars totalled 1,634,751 ounces, showing an increase of 24.3% from November but found a decline of 5.7% from December 2021.

In conclusion, the Perth Mint’s record-breaking sales in 2022 are a sign of the growing demand for precious metals as a hedge against uncertainty and a store of value. With its range of bullion products, commitment to quality, and global reach, the Perth Mint is well positioned to continue to meet the needs of investors and collectors in the years to come.

Italian Mint Commemorates Poet Dante With New Coin Featuring Purgatory

The design of the coin is simple and elegant: It features silver in a variety of colors, and it has a face value of 5 euros. The second version, which is a Proof coin, features gold. It has a nominal value of 20 euros, and it has a circulation of 1,500 pieces.

The design of the coin was created by artist Claudia Momoni. It features Dante’s profile on the reverse, and an image of an effigies of the poet is featured in the circle. The legend “ITALIAN REPUBLIC” is also enclosed by a star.

The coin features a depiction of the Divine Forest, the sea, and the stars. At the top of the last frame is a wall of fire, and at the bottom is a verse from the poem “PURE AND WILLING TO GO UP TO THE STARS.” This verse closes the canticle of the spiritual experience.

The right side of the coin features the value “5 EURO,” while the left side features the image of the Mint of Rome.

The date of the issue of the coin and the signature of the artist are shown below. The silver version of the coin features various coloured elements. The information about the product and the availability of the coins are available on the website of the Italian Mint.

According to coin dealers, the demand for rare-issue coins and notes has increased following the queen’s death on September 8, 2022. Some of these include Australia’s Platinum Jubilee coin, which features the monarch as a child, and a pre-World War II Canadian $20 bill.

People from both novice and seasoned collectors have been asking about the various types of coins and notes that will be issued in tribute to the queen following her death.

Peter Hutchinson, a specialist at London’s Heritage Coin Dealers, said the demand for rare-series coins has increased significantly. He noted that the most sought-after coins are those that were issued in the first place. The prices of these coins have also gone up due to the increasing number of seasoned collectors and newcomers.

He noted that the demand for rare-series coins is expected to increase significantly as more people enter the market. He cited examples such as Canada’s 1954 Devil’s Head note series, which features a part of the queen’s hair that gives the impression of a smiling devil.

Joel Kandiah, a coin expert in Australia, noted that the value of a 2013 Purple Coronation US$2 coin has increased significantly. He posted a video on the TikTok platform this week.

In Almonte, Ontario, Sean Isaacs, the owner of Alliance Banknote and Coin, is preparing for an auction that will feature various royal items. One of these is a 1935 Canadian $20 bill that features Queen Elizabeth II when she was eight years old.

He noted that the note is one of the most desirable bills in the world during the 20th century. He’s also expecting a strong reaction from the auction’s participants.

According to Isaacs, the various bills that will be auctioned off have an estimated value of around C$300 to C$22,000. A rare version of the note with no faults could sell for as much as C$18,000.

The auction’s night is expected to be the most watched event, as the interest in the note has been strong. In an online auction, a 1935 US$20 bill that features Elizabeth was currently at C$2,100 with 10 days left before the auction closes.

Looking ahead, Isaacs anticipates a rush of interest in upcoming commemorative coins that will celebrate the queen’s reign. He also expects to see the first coins that feature the image of the king, which will be issued following the queen’s death.

It’s not yet clear when King Charles coins and bills will finally find their way into people’s wallets outside of Britain. Central banks in various countries, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, have also said that they will continue to issue bills and coins featuring the queen for the next couple of years.

In Australia, the Royal Australian Mint noted that it’s not yet clear when the country will start producing coins that feature the image of the king. However, it noted that new coins with the royal image usually arrive around 12 months following a coronation.

Commonwealth nations that are planning on using the king’s image on their coins and notes will likely be in a queue just behind Britain. The Royal Mint and the Bank of England have not provided any details regarding when the work on designs will begin. However, experts expect that the design work on a portrait of the king will begin once the mourning period ends.

According to Hutchinson, it could take up to six months for the design work on new coins and banknotes to be completed. They’re also expected to start issuing the new products before the king’s coronation.

Mary Gillick

The first image of Queen Elizabeth that was featured on the coins of Great Britain and the Commonwealth was created by Mary Gillick. It shows a young Elizabeth wearing a white hat and a laurel wreath. Her hair is also adorned with ribbons. This image has become a classic. It is easy to find proof coins that feature the Gillick image of Queen Elizabeth on British copper pieces, gold sovereigns, and even tiny British copper pieces.

This portrait of the queen is surrounded by various legends on British coins. Her name, as well as the Latin words “Dei Gratia,” “Fidelis Defensor,” and “By the grace of God, Queen,” are featured on these coins. The queen has been the head of the Church of England since King Henry VIII’s reign.

Arnold Machin, 1968 – 1984

The second image of the queen was featured on the coins of Britain in 1968. This image, which was created by Arnold Machin, shows the queen wearing a Royal Diamond Diadem Crown. This image has become very popular and is easy to find. Since this design was the main image used for almost two decades, it has become very common.

Raphael Maklouf, 1985 – 1997

It was the work of a sculptor who was born in Jerusalem that was featured on the coins of Britain in 1968. Although this image doesn’t show the queen as old as she is, it still presents her in an elegant manner. Some of the legends surrounding this image have also been replaced by more abbreviated versions.

The design of this image is very common, and it is easy to find. Unfortunately, it is not available on British farthings, as the coins that featured this design were discontinued years before it was released. Even the half penny denomination of the coin was discontinued a year before the design was released. There are still copper penny pieces that are available for those who prefer to keep their coins in low denominations and at a low price. On the other hand, those who are fond of the phrase “Go big or go home” can also find plenty of gold sovereigns that feature this design.

Ian Rank-Broadley, 1998

In the end of the millennium, the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth was released on British coins. This time, it was the work of Ian Rank-Broadley. Although his rendering shows the queen as an older woman, he still manages to maintain her beauty.

Jody Clark, 2015

The last portrait of Queen Elizabeth that can be featured on British coins is the work of Jody Clark. He was an employee of the Royal Mint when he submitted his design for a new and updated design. After winning the competition, he became the youngest artist to win a commission of this kind in over a hundred years. He also established a record for being the first person to create a design of the queen completely digitally.

The last portrait of Queen Elizabeth that can be featured on British coins is the work of Jody Clark. It shows the queen wearing a royal diamond diadem. These coins are incredibly easy to find.

Five Coin Set

There are five different ways that people can collect portraits of Queen Elizabeth. These include coins, gold sovereigns, and copper penny pieces. A simple five-coin set can easily become a large collection that honors the queen, who reigned for the longest amount of time in history. Proof sets of the different portraits of Queen Elizabeth are also very affordable. There are many other ways that people can honor the queen, such as collecting various types of coins.

The shekel, which was produced in AD 69, is regarded as one of the most rare coins in the world. It was repatriated following a ceremony held in New York. It was first discovered by Israeli authorities two decades ago, after they learned that it had been stolen by antiquities thieves. The silver coin was found in the Ella Valley, which is located south of Jerusalem and is home to numerous archeological sites.

The silver coin was produced during the Great Revolt against the Romans, which began in 66-73 and lasted until the end of the century. It was seized in 2017 by US customs officials while it was being sold at an auction in Denver. It was estimated that the coin could be worth up to $1 million. However, due to the legal obstacles that it faced, the return of the coin to Israel was delayed.

Experts believe that the shekel, which features a palm branch and a wreath, is one of the most rare coins that came from the Jewish uprising against the Romans. During the uprising, the Roman government carried out various actions, such as the burning of the Temple Mount and the sacking of Masada.

The shekel was first issued by Jews during the First Jewish Revolt against the Romans. It was made as a statement of their sovereignty. It was considered a significant event in the history of the Jewish people as it marked their independence from the Romans. According to investigators, the shekel was smuggled into the UK before it was sent to the US using fake documents. In 2017, US Homeland Security officers seized it in Denver, Colorado.

The Kingdom of Judaea fell under Roman rule in AD 6. Its resistance to imperial rule eventually led to multiple revolts known as the Jewish-Roman Wars. The shekel was issued during the fourth year of the FirstJewish Revolt, which was also referred to as the Great Jewish Revolt.

The Romans permitted the production and circulation of local coins in various parts of their empire, such as Judaea. In a press release, the Israel Antiquities Authority noted that rebel leaders covered the emperor’s face with Jewish motifs on imperial coins. This act, which was carried out as a statement against the powerful empire, was considered a declaration of independence for the Jews in Israel.

One of the coins that was produced during the fourth year of the uprising was a quarter-shekel. It was one of four that were produced during this period. The shekel was recovered recently during a looting incident that took place in the Elah Valley in Israel. Authorities did not identify the location of the other two coins.

The shekel was recovered during a looting incident that took place in the Elah Valley in Israel. It was then seized by US Homeland Security Investigations in 2017 while it was being sold by Heritage Auctions. Although investigators were able to recover the coin, it would take them several years to determine if it was stolen.

In an email, Sam Spiegel, the director of international operations for Heritage Auctions, said that the company was able to successfully negotiate the purchase of the shekel after it was represented by a client in London. He noted that the client had signed an agreement that clearly stated that he had the title to the coin. The auction house was also able to secure a British export license to transport the shekel to the US.

Before the auction was scheduled to begin, US Homeland Security Investigations contacted the company to discuss the possible recovery of the shekel. The auction house then cooperated by providing the investigators with all the necessary information about the coin.

Although the identities of the sellers were not revealed, federal officials said that the individuals who bought the shekel tried to prevent the confiscation. They noted that the sellers had provided false information about the provenance of the coin in order to justify their purchase. According to investigators, the individuals who bought the shekel used two sets of misleading information to justify their purchase.

In February, the Israeli government asked the Manhattan district attorney’s office to help in its investigation to determine if the shekel was stolen. Through its special unit, which focuses on the trafficking of antiquities, the DA’s office was able to determine that it had jurisdiction over the coin. It had been stored in New York for several years before it was recovered.

This resulted in a 364% increase over the previous year’s total. One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to determining the Kennedy halves’ strike dates is the Mint Set. If a certain type of coin is included in the set, then it will be issued in 1975.

By September 1975, the US Mint started to distribute Uncirculated Set coins to the public. However, it started a secondary program that allowed private banks to purchase the sets. This resulted in the total number of sets being sold reaching over four million.

In September 1976, Mary Brooks, the director of the US Mint, announced that the Treasury Secretary William Simon had ordered the discontinuance of the designs of the bicentennial coins. To ensure that the remaining products are delivered to the public, she suggested that collectors place their orders directly with the US Mint or through a local bank.

Many of the collectors who were involved in the production of the coins withdrew their pieces from circulation. Although most of the coins were issued in Uncirculated grades, some of them were issued in Extra Fine to About Uncirculated. If you’re a lucky collector, then you might be able to find some of these uncirculated examples at a local bank branch.

The scarcity of high-grade coins is evidenced by the fact that only about 285 coins were reported in MS 66 and 40 in MS 67. On the other hand, the National Gold Corporation graded 404 coins in MS 66. In terms of modern US coins, the most common grade that you’ll find is MS 64. However, when it comes to the Kennedy half dollar, it’s usually graded at MS 65. This is because of the extensive early picking that took place during the production of the coins.

The record for the highest amount that an error coin can be sold at auction is currently held by a 2004 Heritage auction. This particular example was an off-metal mistake that was struck on a quarter planchet. In most cases, error coins have sold for over $1,000.

Most coins graded MS 67 will sell for around $775 to $1,000. These types of coins are extremely common and fetch a significant premium due to their dual-year production. However, when it comes to MS 66s, the value of these coins plummets. Some examples can sell for as little as $11.

If you drop one grade to MS 65, the price of these coins will immediately plummet. In the past couple of years, the value of these types of coins has increased. However, they can still sell for as low as $1.

The value of coins graded MS 64 and 63 has also increased. If you’re a collector, then you can expect to pay around $10 to $25 for an example. It’s also very easy to find pieces that are under $5. However, the premium that you can get for error or tone coins is quite high. For instance, a nicely-toned error coin can sell for around $100 to $200. On the other hand, a poorly-colored example can sell for thousands.

Obverse

The design of the Kennedy half dollar was carried out by Gilroy Roberts, who was the ninth chief engraver of the US Mint. He also designed President Kennedy’s inauguration medal. Roberts served as the Mint’s chief engraver from July 22, 1948, until February 11, 1965.

The design of the Kennedy half dollar features an image of an effiger of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who was the 35th president of the US. At the time of his death, Kennedy was the youngest person to be elected as the president of the US. Due to the country’s grief, the Mint and Congress decided to change the design of the half dollar to commemorate the late president.

The upper half of the coin features the inscription “LIBERTY,” with Kennedy’s hair extending over the bottom portions of the letters “B,” “E,” and “R.” The date 1776-1976 is also cradled at the bottom of this coin. The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is separated by the sharp truncated of Kennedy’s neck. The mint mark “D” is located on the right side of this truncation, and the inscription is separated by the curve.

The initials of Gilroy Roberts can be found on the truncation line of Kennedy’s bust, above the “WE” on the coin’s bottom right side.

Reverse

The reverse features a symmetrical view of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, which was constructed in 1753. It served as the meeting place for various events during the years of the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. The inscription “United States of America” is also found at the top half of the rim. The denomination of the half dollar is shown at the bottom.

The 13 small five-pointed stars that represent the original colonies of the US are directly above the denomination. The phrase “200 Years of Freedom” is also found on the left side of Independence Hall. The building’s name is also shown underneath. The motto “Out of Many, One” is also located on the right side of the building.

The spire of Independence Hall extends into the air and almost touches the coin’s edge. The last two letters of the word “STATES” are also enclosed by the spire. The inscription “SGH” by Seth Huntington can be found at the bottom right corner.

Edge

The edge of the 1776-1976 D Kennedy half dollar is reeded with 150 reeds.

Learn about world coin collecting; discover some types of international coins

More than being an enjoyable and interesting pastime activity, world coin collecting or foreign coins collecting is also an educational hobby.

Each dollar coin, cent, or dime bears an image of important people, events, landmarks, or treasures of a certain country.  A small piece of an international coin can already tell so much about a nation’s history.

Historical world coins

An example of a historical coin is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.  This American gold coin was minted by the order of President Theodore Roosevelt in the effort of beautifying US coinage which would symbolize America’s prestige and power.  There is only one specimen of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coin left to exist today (all else were melted dow) and it is considered the most expensive coin in the world.

The 1947 Canadian Maple Leaf coins are also significant to the history of Canadian coins. These rare coins bear a small maple leaf beside the 1947 date to denote that the coins were actually minted in 1948.

Because of the changes in the British sovereignty in 1948, modifications were made to the British coinage. Canada, being part of the Commonwealth Realm sharing the British monarchy, is also affected by such changes in the currency.

But the 1948 Canadian coin dies (metal stamping tool used to engrave a coin design) were not readily available.  At this time, there was a great demand for coins and to answer the demand, production of coins had to resume using the 1947 coin dies.  Engraving a maple leaf by the side of the 1947 mint date distinguished the 1948 coins from the earlier pieces.

Wildlife on international coins

Australia is one of the many countries that feature wildlife on coins and currencies. The reverse side of an Australian 20 cent and Australian 5 cent bears a platypus and an echidna respectively. 

These are the only two egg-bearing mammals in the world and are endemic or only found in Australia (although some echidnas live in New Guinea, located north of Australia). Koala coins & Kookaburra bullion coins are also famous collectable coins from Australia.

An Indian 50 paise (a monetary unit used in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan) coin also features an image of an animal on its reverse side – a Great One-horned Rhinoceros.  It is a large mammal primarily found in the northeastern part of India and Nepal.  This creature is now endangered because of excessive hunting.

The gold bullion coins from Mexico made in honor of their independence from the Spanish colonizers. Mexican coinage history had a colorful beginnings that can be traced back to the ancient Aztecs.

Mexican gold coins are not as popular as the other gold bullion coins like the gold American eagle coins and the Philharmonikers.

Long ago, the Aztec Empire in central Mexico worshipped the sun god. The Aztecs became fascinated with gold because its yellow metal and its shiny luster are reminiscent of the radiant powers of Huitzilopochtli or Tonatiuh.

But at that time, gold was not a form of currency since ancient Mexicans traded with cacao beans.

The first Mexican coins were minted when Spain colonized Mexico. The first Mexican gold coins were the escudo, half escudo, 2 escudos, 4 escudos, and 8 escudos.

These Mexican gold coins were minted between the years 1566 and 1833. The escudos became obsolete when the peso coinage was introduced.

The Centenario coin

The centenario de oro is the Mexican 50 peso gold coin that was first issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s War of Independence. The government of Mexico stopped the minting of the coin in 1947.

The obverse of the 50 peso gold commemorative coin is depicted with the iconic el Angel de la Independencia or the Angel of Independence. The design was inspired by the image of Nike, the winged Greek god of victory. She holds up a laurel leaf in her right hand and she grasps a broken chain in her left.

Behind the Angel of Independence are Popocatepetl and Iztaccihautl, the famous volcanoes in Mexico.

Also inscribed on the obverse is the face value “50 PESOS”, the gold content, and the date mint date stamped across the legend 1821 which is the year of Mexico’s independence.

The nation’s coat of arms, illustrating a Mexican eagle feeding on a snake while sitting atop a cactus, is shown on the reverse of the centenario de oro.

The centenario gold coin contains 1.2057 oz (37.5 grams). The 21.5 karat Mexican 50 peso coin is actually an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper.

Before the release of the South African Krugerrand in 1967, the gold centenario dominated the world bullion coin market. Today, some gold coin investors favor the Mexican 50 peso coin because it has a lower premium (dealer’s mark up price) compared to other gold bullion coins. The 50 peso gold coin values are based on the current bullion spot price plus the premium.

The Libertad coin

The newer Mexican gold bullion coins are called the Libertad. The oro libertad or the gold Libertad is actually a remake of the older 50 peso Centenario gold coin.

Since its initial release in 1981, the gold Libertad coins have been minted in 1/20, 1/10, ¼, ½, and 1 oz denominations. There are two types of Libertad coins for each denomination.

The obverse of the type 1 Libertad coins (minted between 1991 and 1995) resembled the centenario de oro coins.

The type 2 Libertad coins (issued from 1996 until present) have an image of the Winged Victory or the “el Angel” in a different angle. However, the images of the two mountains are still shown on the background.

The reverse designs of the Type 1 and 2 Libertad gold coins vary. In each type, the eagle on Mexico’s national emblem is shown in different angles. The oro libertad are also available as proof coins.

The 10 Peso and 5 Peso coins

The Mexican diez pesos and cinco pesos gold coins have an identical reverse design showing an effigy of Miguel Hidalgo. Mexicans hail Hidalgo as the Father of the Nation when he led the 1910 revolution.

The face value of the gold coins is written in words as: DIEZ PESOS and CINCO PESOS. The reverse side also bears the mintmark and the mint year.

 The obverse is stamped with Mexico’s coat of arms illustrating a forward-facing eagle devouring a snake, and the legend “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS.”

The 20 Peso coin

The reverse of the 20 Pesos gold coin is struck with an image of an Aztec Calendar or the Sun Stone, and the face value in “VEINTE PESOS.” The 20-peso gold coin featuring the Aztec Sun Stone (picture shown above) was first struck for circulation in 1917 until 1921. The denomination was issued under the authority of the Mexican Monetary Reform Act of 1905.

The veinte peso coin carries the modern coat of arms showing an eagle facing sideways on its obverse. The words “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS” are also struck on the heads side.