50 Centavos

1935 year


Billon (.420 silver) (Copper .580)	7.973 g	27 mm

Description

Issuer	Mexico
Period	United Mexican States/Mexican Republic (1823-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Year	1935
Value	50 Centavos (0.50&nbspMXP)
Currency	Peso (1863-1992)
Composition	Billon (.420 silver) (Copper .580)
Weight	7.973 g
Diameter	27 mm
Thickness	2 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-06

References

Numista	N#30602
Rarity index	25%

Reverse

Radiant Liberty cap at top. Value at center, with mint mark in between numbers. With date at bottom. Supported by 3/4 oak and laurel wreath.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
LIBERTAD
50
M
CENTAVOS
1935

Translation: Liberty

Edge

Smooth with lettering.

Script: Latin

Lettering: INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD

Translation: Independence and Freedom

Comment

Only 10.8 million minted in Mexico City; 25 million minted in Philadelphia, 17,000,850 minted in Denver, and 18 million minted in San Francisco, all with the Mo mintmark.

A one-year issue minted in 1935 to fill the increasing demand for this denomination, due to the fact that at the time the previous 50 Centavos coin minted was in 1925 with a pretty low mintage, so really the previous large mintage was in 1921, so the denomination was becoming scarce at the time.
But the mint didn't had enough Silver for the necessary amount due to the World current economic situation; so they decided to mint enough coins at nearly half the silver content. This is why this coin is missing the fineness on Obverse at the sides of the eagle's head.
Once the economy in the US began to stabilize the content was returned to 0.720 in the following 1937 mintage, returning to the specs.

Interesting fact

The 50 Centavos coin from Mexico, issued in 1935, has an interesting feature. It was made of a unique alloy called Billon, which consists of 42% silver and 58% copper. This combination of metals gives the coin a distinctive color and durability. Additionally, the coin weighs 7.973 grams, making it slightly heavier than other coins of similar size. This interesting fact highlights the unique craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the creation of this coin.