Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1974-1983
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Diameter: 20 mm
Weight: 3.06 grams
Total Series Mintage: 3,632,905,500
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Bust Design
Introduction
In 1974 the Mexico City Mint replaced existing 20 centavos bronze coinage with a smaller (28mm to 20mm diameter and more affordable copper nickel composition. Produced from 1974 to 1983, all coinage was minted at the Mexico City Mint and featured the likeness of Francisco Madero.
Francisco Madero was a Mexican politician and revolutionary who helped remove and force then President Diaz into exile. Madero would replace Diaz as President in 1911 but many groups became disenchanted with Madero's handling of Mexico's problems and in 1913, revolted and executed him. Though deposed and executed Madero is recognized as being the first President of the new revolutionary government.
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 image of Madero. To the right of the bust is the denomination “20c” and to the right of the bust is the mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
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General Market Notes
There are no rarities for the series and all examples are readily available.