Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1951-1957
Number of Types: 2
Composition: 72% Silver
Diameter: 40 mm (Type 1), 36 mm (Type 2)
Weight: 27.78 grams, 0.6430 oz of silver (Type 1)
……………18.055 grams, 0.4178 oz of silver (Type 2)
Type 1 Series Mintage: 34,959,000
Type 2 Series Mintage: 12,331,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Bust Design
Introduction
In 1947 Mexico introduced a new 5 Pesos denomination silver coin known as the Cuauhtemoc series. In 1950 a special one year type in honor of the Southern Railroad was issued bringing a quick end to the Cuauhtemoc series. At the end of 1950, the Mexico Mint decided to continue with the denomination and introduced the Hidalgo design which ran from 1951 to 1957.
During its run, the series received only one change in 1955 to reduce silver content to accommodate changes in silver valuation to the peso. The reduction in silver resulted in a smaller diameter & lighter coin. In addition to size & weight, the reverse design was altered by removing the open wreath and addition of a motto and the lettered edge was replaced with reeding.
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”. Additional features of the design include the denomination “CINCO PESOS”, silver content "LEY 720", weight, year of issue and for 1951-1954 issues a mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
The reverse design features a bust image of Hidalgo facing left. 1951-1954 coins include an open wreath encircling the bust while 1955-1957 issues include the motto “INDEPENDECIA Y LIBERTAD” (Independence & Liberty) and the mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
Types
Type 1 – 1951 to 1954
Type 2 – 1955 to 1957
| Type 1 Obverse | Type 2 Obverse |
|---|---|
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| Type 1 Reverse | Type 2 Reverse |
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General Market Notes
The key to the series is the 1954 issue with a mintage of only 30,000. All other issues are readily available.