Moneta
Registered: August 2005 Location: Arizona USA Posts: 2,365
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I may be too literal but I think this is the only 'true' Centenario, the one struck first in 1921, the one date that celebrates 100 years of Independence. It accompanies the 2 Peso Centenario commemorative that can also be seen here in the Moneta Museum.
The Mexico 50 Peso, or Centenario, was first produced in 1921 to commemorate the centennial of Mexico’s independence from Spain. The Centenario was issued every year from 1921 to 1931 and again from 1944 through 1947. Demand was strong for the coin as a bullion issue, so the Mexico City Mint continued to produce gold 50 Pesos with the 1947 date through 1972 and also in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Additionally, Commemorative Medallic issues without the 50 Peso denomination were issued in 1943 and several dates in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
In 1910 Mexico celebrated the Centennial of the beginning of its War of Independence with Spain. To commemorate the event, a giant column was erected in the middle of Mexico City with a statue of "El Angel de la Independencia", "The Angel of Independence", sitting atop. This 6.7-meter statue, constructed of Bronze and Gold, represents the "Winged Victory", a Greek symbol for the goddess Nike (Victory). In her right hand the Angel holds a laurel crown, symbolizing Victory, while in her left she holds a broken chain, symbolizing Freedom.
The obverse (front) of the Mexican 50 Pesos features a striking portrait of Winged Victory standing in front of the Mexican volcanoes Iztacc'huatl and Popocat'ptl. This coin is often compared to America's most beautiful coin, the $20 Saint-Gaudens. The obverse also lists the face value ('50 PESOS'), the gold content, and the date of issue opposite the date of Mexican Independence, 1821. The 50 Pesos, 10 Pesos, and 5 Pesos gold coins all feature the eagle facing forward, an antiquated version of the coat of arms developed in the French Style in the late 1800's. [CoinInvest]
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