Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1980-1984
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Diameter: 32 mm
Weight: 14.1 grams (approximate)
Total Mintage: 627,365,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Mayan Art Design
Introduction
In the early 1980’s most of Mexico’s circulating coinage was introduced to a new design theme embracing historical Mesoamerican art. One example of these coins is the 20 Pesos Maya Cultura series which ran from 1980 to 1984.
The reverse coin design is based on a ball-court marker, from the Maya site of Chinkultic from an ancient Mayan sport simply called “The Ballgame”. It is believed that the figure on the marker is that of the deity Hun Hunahpu.
Design
The obverse design features the Mexican coat of arms, an eagle clutching a snake while it perches on a prickly pear cactus. In an arc around the design is the phrase “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS”.
The reverse design is based a Mayan ball-court marker with the denomination “$20” inset. Above the design is the phrase “CULTURA MAYA”. Below the design is the year of issue and mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
The coin edge is lettered with the phrase "INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD".
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General Market Notes
All years were made in large mintages making them affordable and easy to obtain.