Coins of Mexico

Historical origins and colonial circulation

Before colonial issues, Mexican territories used exchange media other than European struck coins. The Banco de México records cacao and cotton cloth among them: goods used in payments, distinct from metal pesos. The arrival of the Spaniards brought different practices together before colonial coin production was organised. Historical documentation.

From political change to monetary reform

The Mexico City mint was founded in 1535 and the first coins were struck in 1536. The real and peso connect this production with the Spanish monarchy’s networks and American trade; their spread does not mean all later currencies using those names were identical. Colonial issues preceded independent Mexico’s national symbols and new political setting. From 1823 republican coins adopted the national arms, expressing the new authority. Iberian and American monetary families.

The coinage illustrated in the catalogue

The catalogue distinguishes issues of the Mexican Republic and United Mexican States from more recent reforms. In January 1993 one nuevo peso replaced one thousand earlier pesos; from 1996 the name reverted to peso. Identify the series before comparing numbers on coins. Galleries by period, denomination and metal distinguish types and specimens, while collector prices differ from face value and precious-metal content. Historical documentation. Periods. Values. Gold. Silver.