Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1980-1984
Composition: Copper-Nickel
Diameter: 35 mm
Weight: 19.84 grams
Total Mintage: 113,809,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Aztec 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 50 Pesos series which ran from 1982 to 1984.
The reverse coin design features Coyolxauhqui who was the daughter of Aztec gods Coatlicue and Mixcoatl. Coyolxauhqui was a powerful magician and led her siblings in an attack on their mother, Coatlicue.
The Coyolxauhqui coin design is actually based on an ancient stone disk featuring Coyolxauhqui discovered in Mexico City in 1978 which led to the excavation of the ancient Aztec site of Templo Mayor.
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 reproduction of the art found on the Coyolxauhqui Templo Mayor stone disk. On the outer periphery is the phrase “Templo Mayor de Mexico” name "Coyolxauhqui". Below the denomination "$50" is the year of issue and mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
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General Market Notes
All years were made in large mintages making them affordable and easy to obtain.