Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1971-1978
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Diameter: 33 mm
Weight: 14 grams
Total Mintage: 432,733,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Bust Design
Introduction
From 1960 to 1970 the Mexico minted no 5 Peso coins. By 1971 a new 5 peso coin was introduced to meet coinage demand but unlike its predecessors this new coin was issued copper-nickel instead of silver due to the rise in silver prices and inflation against the peso.
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 features a bust image of Vicente Guerrero facing right. Above the design is the denomination “CINCO PESOS” and to the right of the bust is the mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
The coin edge is lettered with the phrase "INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD".
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Guerrero
Vicente Guerrero was one of the revolutionary leaders of the Mexican War of Independence from colonial Spain. He would become the 2nd President of the Mexico Republic on April of 1829 but his career came to a quick end as he was deposed on December 4, 1829 and executed later that same month.
Though his Presidency was short he made a significant contribution by abolishing slavery on September 15, 1829 as well as emancipating all existing slaves.
During the 20th century his remains were transferred to the Angel of Independence Monument where today he is honored as a national hero.
General Market Notes
All years were made in large mintages making them affordable and easy to obtain.