10 Valuable Rare Mexican Coins Worth Money
Posted onWhile the field of numismatics largely revolves around U.S. coins, a close neighbor to the U.S. also boasts many rare coins worth seeking out. This article will provide a rare Mexican coins list to guide collectors to identify and appreciate these valuable treasures. Specifically, it will talk about:
- Rare Mexican coin values
- The historical significance of sought-after Mexican coins
- Where to find rare Mexican coins for sale online
Watch a coin enthusiast discuss the rarest Mexican coins in this informative video:
When people think about the most valuable Mexican coins’ worth, shipwreck coins typically come to mind. However, many valuable coins from Mexico are not associated with shipwrecks. Here are 10 coins with rich histories that merit attention in their own right.
Rare Mexican gold coins
1. The 50 Peso Centenario: a rare Mexican peso coin
The Mexico Gold 50 Peso, also known as the Centenario, is one of the most iconic rare Mexican coins worth money. First minted in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain, the coin is celebrated for its stunning design and significant gold content of 1.2057 troy ounces.
The impressive piece’s obverse features the Angel of Independence, one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mexico City, symbolizing victory and freedom. Behind the Angel, the twin volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are depicted, adding a dramatic backdrop to the coin’s design.
- Metal: Gold
- Years: 1921 – 1947
- Check our most current price here.
2. 1715 8 Escudos: a rare Mexican coin from the famed fleet
This 1715 8 Escudos coin is a distinguished piece from the series known as “Royals”. This refers to special presentation coins struck during the Spanish colonial period, characterized by high-quality strikes and round, flat flans.
The Philip V Royal 8 Escudos was minted in Mexico City during the reign of Philip V of Spain. It is particularly notable for its connection to the famed 1715 Fleet shipwreck off the coast of Florida, which adds to its historical and numismatic significance.
For those seeking answers to the question “What are the most valuable Mexican coins?”, it is safe to say this coin stands out due to its limited mintage and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a true treasure among early 18th-century coinage.
Philip V “Royal” 8 Escudos
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1715
3. 4 Escudos Ferdinand VII: one of the most sought-after rare Mexican gold coins
The 4 Escudos Ferdinand VII coin is a notable piece in Spanish colonial numismatics. Collectors highly value it for its rarity and its role in the numismatic heritage of colonial Mexico.
Struck during Ferdinand VII’s reign in the early 19th century, this gold coin is historically significant as part of the War of Independence issues. These were coins minted during the Mexican War of Independence, often produced in limited quantities under challenging conditions with locally engraved dies.
This particular coin was minted by the Guadalajara Mint, which was the only provisional royalist mint authorized to issue gold coinage during the Mexican War of Independence. For all these reasons, it is considered one of the rare valuable Mexican coins worth collecting.
4 Escudos – Ferdinand VII Guadalajara
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1812
Photo by Numista
4. Revolutionary 60 Pesos: one of the most valuable Mexican coins of all time
The Oaxaca Revolutionary 60 Pesos is a remarkable piece from the Mexican Revolution. Issued in 1916 by the provisional government in Oaxaca, it features the portrait of Benito Juarez within a wreath on the obverse and balance scales beneath rays with a “Liberty Cap” on the reverse.
When it comes to rare Mexican coins’ values, this coin stands out, as it exemplifies its period’s economic challenges and political upheaval, capturing a pivotal moment in Mexican history.
Oaxaca Revolutionary 60 Pesos
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1916
Photo by American Numismatic Society
5. Maximiliano I 20 Pesos: among the most intriguing rare Mexican peso coins
Minted during the brief reign of the Austrian archduke Maximiliano I as Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867, this coin holds a special place in Mexican numismatics. The coin’s design reflects both European and Mexican influences, through the depiction of the national coat of arms with the eagle and serpent and the regal portrait of Maximiliano I respectively. Due to its historical context and limited mintage, this 20 pesos coin constitutes one of the top answers to the question “What Mexican coins are valuable?”.
20 Pesos – Maximiliano I
- Metal: Gold
- Year: 1866
Photo by Numista
If you’ve been inspired by these rare Mexico coins, discover more valuable gold pieces here.
Rare Mexican silver coins
6. “Early Series” Rincón 8 Reales: the most valuable Mexican coin ever
Often referred to as the rarest Mexican coin of all time, this 8 reales coin is a prestigious piece from the early days of New World minting. This coin is considered historically significant not only because it was struck just two years after the Mexico City mint’s establishment, but also because it bears the initials of the mint’s first assayer, Francisco del Rincón. This makes it one of the pioneering large denomination coins in the Americas.
As one of the earliest crown-sized coins, it is in great demand in the numismatic market. Due to limited surviving examples, it has consistently commanded significant sums at auction.
Charles and Johanna “Early Series” Rincón 8 Reales
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1538
7. Philip V “Milled” 8 Reales: rare Mexican silver coins
Even though a lot of numismatic discourse about Mexican coinage has revolved around El Cazador shipwreck coin 8 reales, the Philip V 8 reales coin is just as, if not more, important. As the first coin of the “Pillar Dollar” series, i.e. an iconic series of Spanish colonial coinage known for its distinctive design featuring the Pillars of Hercules, it is one of the most valuable rare Mexican coins worth money.
Struck in Mexico City, the Philip V 8 reales is thought of as a prized rarity as it represents a crucial transition in coinage due to its introduction of the milled process. This process enhanced the precision and uniformity of coin production compared to earlier hammered issues.
Philip V “Milled” 8 Reales
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1732
8. 1 Peso Pattern Caballito: among the most beautiful rare coins from Mexico
An excellent answer to the question “Are Mexican coins valuable?” comes in the form of this 1 peso pattern coin. Created in 1909, this coin was engraved by the renowned Parisian artist Charles Pillet.
This amazing coin features a beautifully detailed design, with a rider on horseback on the obverse, symbolizing liberty and independence, and the Mexican national emblem, an eagle perched on a cactus, on the reverse. These pattern coins were produced in limited quantities and their raised letter edge is a distinctive feature that adds to their rarity and appeal among collectors.
1 Peso Pattern Caballito with Raised Letter Edge
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1909
Photo by Numista
9. 1 Peso Maximiliano I Pattern Strike: a gem of Mexican rare coins
One of the most valuable Mexican coins from the Second Mexican Empire, this piece features a detailed portrait of Maximilian I on the obverse and the Mexican national emblem on the reverse.
While the coin’s design itself is not particularly innovative compared to others of its era, it stands out thanks to its pattern strike and the small letter style used in its inscriptions. This indicates a prototype or trial piece rather than a regular circulation coin. Pattern strikes are often rarer and more sought after by collectors due to their limited production.
1 Peso Maximiliano I with Pattern Strike and Small Letters
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1866
Photo by Numista
10. Guerrero 2 Pesos: among the Mexico rare coins representing resistance
The Revolutionary Guerrero 2 pesos is a fascinating artifact that answers the question, “Are any Mexican coins valuable?” with a resounding yes. Minted in 1915 in the state of Guerrero, this coin reflects the regional minting practices that arose during the Mexican Revolution when centralized control was often disrupted.
This coin is particularly notable for its historical context, as it was produced during a time of intense political and social upheaval. This is reflected in its reverse which displays a liberty cap with rays, a common symbol of freedom and resistance.
Revolutionary Guerrero 2 Pesos
- Metal: Silver
- Year: 1915
Photo by NGC
If you’ve been inspired by these rare Mexican coins, discover more silver valuable pieces here.
Where to find rare Mexican coins for sale
From early colonial issues to revolutionary patterns, Mexican coins are prized for their rarity, historical significance, and unique designs. Their value is often driven by their historical context, limited mintage, and exceptional craftsmanship, making them standout pieces in any collection.
For collectors seeking to acquire these exceptional pieces, Blanchard offers an unparalleled selection of rare coins. Blanchard’s profound knowledge of rare coinage and market dynamics provides collectors with access to an exclusive range of highly coveted and historically valuable coins.
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