The Mexican 50 peso gold coin, known as the Centenario, is the largest coin of the Mexican gold peso family. Each 50 Peso contains 1.2057 troy ounces of actual gold weight (AGW) in .900 fine gold — 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper, or 21.6 karat. It was first minted in 1921 at the Casa de Moneda de México to commemorate the first centenary of Mexican independence.
The coin takes its name from the centenary of Mexican independence it was issued to mark. It circulated as regular coinage from 1921 to 1931, when minting was suspended, and production resumed in 1943 because of renewed demand for gold coins. Coins struck between 1949 and 1972 usually carry the 1947 date, which is why 50 Peso coins dated 1947 are the most common (Banco de México).
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 50 pesos |
| Actual Gold Weight (AGW) | 1.2057 troy oz (Banxico: 1.20565; 37.5 g fine gold) |
| Gross weight | 41.67 g |
| Fineness | .900 fine — 90% gold, 10% copper (21.6 karat) |
| Diameter | 37 mm |
| Mint | Casa de Moneda de México |
| Years | 1921–1931 and 1943–1947 (restrikes dated 1947 struck 1949–1972) |
Melt value follows the fine gold content, not the gross weight, and any quote depends on the market at the time of inquiry. Collectors also pay a numismatic premium based on date and condition; the 1921 and 1931 issues are the scarce dates of the series. Specs per Banxico and the Centenario reference.
One side shows the Winged Victory modeled on the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, standing before the Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes. The other side shows the Mexican coat of arms: a golden eagle perched on a cactus, gripping a rattlesnake in its beak.
All Mexican gold peso coins share the same .900 fine alloy (21.6 karat), so the practical difference is actual gold weight. Ten 5 Peso coins hold about as much fine gold as one 50 Peso.
| Denomination | Actual Gold Weight (AGW) |
|---|---|
| 5 Peso | 0.1205 troy oz |
| 10 Peso | 0.2411 troy oz |
| 20 Peso | 0.4823 troy oz |
| 50 Peso | 1.2057 troy oz |
See the 5 Peso Mexican gold coin, the 10 Peso and the 20 Peso for their individual specifications, or browse all Mexican Mint coins.
Melt value = 1.2057 troy ounces of actual gold weight (.900 fine) × the live gold spot price. That is the floor. Any dealer quote also includes a numismatic premium that depends on the coin’s date and grade. Because the gold spot price trades continuously, melt value changes daily.
Answers to common questions about the Mexican 50 Peso gold coin: its gold content, melt value, and what it is worth.
Each 50 Peso contains 1.2057 troy ounces (1.20565 per Banxico). The gross weight is 41.67 grams; the difference is the 10 percent copper alloy.
Yes. .900 fine means 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper, which is 21.6 karat. All coins of the Centenario family share this alloy (Banxico).
Coins struck between 1949 and 1972 usually carry the 1947 date, so 1947-dated pieces are the most common. Earlier dates, especially 1921 and 1931, are scarcer.
Melt value tracks the spot price of gold times its 1.2057 troy oz of fine gold, and date and condition can add a numismatic premium. Any quote depends on the market at the time of inquiry.
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