Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1955-1956, 1974-90
Number of Types: 3
Composition
Type 1 Comp: 90% Silver
Type 2 Comp: Copper-Nickel
Type 3 Comp: Stainless Steel
Diameter
Type 1 Dia: 40 mm
Type 2 Dia: 30.5 mm
Type 3 Dia: 19 mm
Weight
Type 1 Wt: 28.88 grams (0.8356 ounces silver)
Type 2 Wt: 10 grams (1974-77), 14 grams (1978-95)
Type 3 Wt: 3.84 grams
Total Series Mintage: 2,287,228,000
Type 1 Mintage: 4,120,000
Type 2 Mintage: 828,808,000
Type 3 Mintage: 1,454,300,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Bust Design
Introduction
Miguel Hidalgo (who has the distinction & title of being the Father of the Nation), was a 19th century priest who convinced a nation of poor and deprived to rise up against Spanish colonial rule. The charismatic Hidalgo motivated tens of thousands to rise up and upon his execution in 1811 he was elevated to martyr inspiring even more to continue the battle for independence.
The image of Hidalgo has been portrayed on 10 Pesos coinage from 1955 to 1990 and featured a total of 3 different coin designs during the life of the series though he was also depicted on a gold 10 Pesos series that ran from 1905-1920 and reissued again in 1959.
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 bust portrait of Hidalgo, the denomination, year of issue and “Mo” mint mark for the Mexico City Mint.
Types
The series produced a total of 3 different types that varied in composition, size, and shape
Type 1 – 1955 to 1956 Silver composition
Type 2 – 1974-1985 Copper-Nickel composition, 7 sided coin
Type 3 – 1985 to 1990 Stainless steel composition
| Type 1 Obverse | Type 1 Reverse | Type 2 Obverse | Type 2 Reverse |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Type 3 Obverse | Type 3 Reverse |
|---|---|
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Varieties
The only major variety for the series was for type 2 coins. From 1974 to 1977 coins were minted using a 10 gram 1.6mm thick planchet and from 1978 to 1985 it was modified to a 14 gram 2.3mm thick planchet.
General Market Notes
There are no rarities to the series and only the early silver issues command higher prices due to its high silver content.