coin is a significant piece of Mexican numismatic history, particularly due to its silver content and its role in the country’s currency system during the mid-20th century. The coin was minted as part of a series of silver pesos that were in circulation from 1957 to 1967. It was produced at a time when Mexico was transitioning from using silver-based coins to lower-cost metal compositions due to economic factors.
Design and Features
The obverse of the 1 Peso coin features the Mexican coat of arms, which depicts an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak. This emblem is one of the most iconic symbols of Mexican heritage and was inspired by Aztec mythology. The inscription around the coat of arms reads “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS” (“United Mexican States”), and the coin’s denomination, “1 PESO”, appears below.
The reverse of the coin features a simple yet elegant design, with the weight and purity of the coin prominently displayed: “1 PESO”, with the inscription “PLATA Pura” (“Pure Silver”). The year of minting is also inscribed on the reverse side, with coins from 1957 to 1967 being the most common for this type.
Composition and Specifications
The 1957-1967 1 Peso coin was struck in .720 silver, meaning it contains 72% silver by weight, with the remaining portion made up of copper. Each coin has a weight of 27 grams and a diameter of 37mm, making it slightly larger than many other coins from the same period. The silver content gave the coin both intrinsic value and aesthetic appeal, which was important in an era when silver was still widely used for minting currency.
Collectibility and Value
While the 1 Peso coin is relatively common in terms of mintage, its silver composition and historical significance make it a sought-after collectible, particularly in average circulated condition. Coins from this period are valued by numismatists and collectors for their silver content and as a tangible link to Mexico’s mid-20th-century history.
