Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1905-1935
Number of Types: 2
Composition: 80% Silver (1905-1919), 72% Silver (1925-35)
Diameter: 18 mm (1905-1914), 15 mm (1919-35)
Weight: 2.5 grams .06 oz of silver 1905-14
1.8125 grams .0466 oz of silver 1919
1.660 grams .0384 oz of silver 1925-1935
Total Series Mintage: 75,290,000
Type 1 Mintage: 33,350,000
Type 2 Mintage: 41,940,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Cap and Rays
Design
The obverse design features the Mexican coat of arms, an eagle clutching a snake while it perches on a prickly pear cactus. On the outer periphery is the phrase “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS” or as translated to english “United Mexican States”.
The reverse design features a Phrygian Cap with Rays which has long been symbolic of liberty free thinking on coinage. Below the design is a ¾ wreath with denomination “10 CENTAVOS” and date of issue above. In between the denomination is the mint mark “M” for the Mexico City Mint.
Types
During 1919, 10 centavo coinage received a significant change by reducing the diameter from 18 mm to 15 mm:
Type 1 – 1905-1914 Large Diameter 18 mm
Type 2 – 1919-1935 Small Diameter 15 mm
Interestingly, the type 1 coins were very thin and difficult to maintain the 18 mm diameter during the minting process. After measuring 16 different coins, we confirmed that diameter measurements varied from 18.0 mm to 18.34 mm. If you plan on using a holder for one of these coins it is recommended to use a holder that can accommodates at least a 19 mm coin (cent holders work nicely).
Major Varieties
The type 2 coins would be used again beginning in 1925 but slightly modified from 1919 by reducing its silver content from .0466 to .0384 ounces of silver.
Variety 1 - 1919 80% Silver
Variety 2 - 1925-1935 Reduced 72% Silver
| Variety 1 Obverse | Variety 2 Obverse | Reverse |
|---|---|---|
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General Market Notes
Excluding errors and varieties, the key to the series is the 1912 issue.
A possible sleeper are high grade 1919 issues. Yes it does have the second largest mintage, but it is a one year only type coin that is always in demand.