Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1957
Composition: 10% Silver
Diameter: 34.5 mm
Weight: 16.0 grams (.0514 oz of silver)
Total Series Mintage: 500,000
Obverse Design: National Arms
Reverse Design: Bust Design
Introduction
In 1957 the Mexico City Mint issued three special circulating silver commemorative coins to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1857. Issued in three denominations, the Peso, 5 Pesos and 10 Pesos, all three denominations utilized the same designs and even edge lettering.
The Constitution of 1857 was ratified in February of 1857 by the Mexican Congress and established the Second Federal Republic of Mexico. The new Constitution represented a major step forward for social reforms for all Mexican citizens and began the process of creating a separation of Church and State.
Conservative political parties strongly opposed the Constitution as well as the Roman Catholic Church since some articles were not in the Church’s interest. The incumbent President Ignacio Comonfort would eventually succumb to political pressures and resigned shortly after on January 11, 1858. On January 21 his replacement, Benito Juarez, was sworn in as President.
Benito Juarez was a strong pro-constitution supporter and was literally one of the best examples of the social reforms that benefited all Mexican Citizens as Benito was the first Mexican citizen of full-blooded Native American decent and the only full-blooded native to ever serve as president of Mexico. He would continue to fight for the existence of the Federal Republic, Constitution, social reforms and would serve five terms as President from 1858 to 1872 while he resisted French occupation and over-threw the Second Mexican Empire. Today Benito Juarez is one of Mexico’s most notable political heroes similar to how Abraham Lincoln is viewed in the United States.
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” (translated to English United Mexican States), denomination “UN PESO”, and year of issue.
The reverse design features a bust image of Benito Juarez facing left. On the outer periphery is the phrase “CENTENARIO DE LA CONSTITUCION DE MEXICO” and the dual date “1857.1957”. To the right of the design near the base of the neck is the mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
The coin edge is lettered with the phrase “INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD” (Independence and Liberty).
| Obverse | Reverse |
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| Coin Edge |
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Mintages
Un Peso (1 Peso) – 500,000
Cinco Pesos (5 Pesos) – 200,000
Diez Pesos (10 Pesos) – 100,000
General Market Notes
All issues were saved in large quantities and are affordable. Of the three denominations only the 10 Peso coin with its small mintage of 100,000 carries a slight premium.