This article will list the various denominations and gold content of 20th-century Mexican gold coins and explain how to determine the value of these coins based on gold content and the current spot price of gold.
Step 1
Mexican gold coins have been produced for hundreds of years dating back to the arrival of the Spaniards in the early 1500s. Early in the 20th century Mexican gold converted from escudos, to pesos and for the first half of the century gold was minted in dos (two), dos y medio (two and a half), cinco (five), diez (ten) viente (twenty) and 50 (fifty) peso denominations. Modern Mexican gold is now available in one quarter and one ounce versions.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Gold Content of 20th Century Mexican Coins (in troy ounces)
Denomination Size Purity Gold Content (mm) % (troy ounces)
Dos Pesos 12.85 .900 .0482 Dos y Medio 15.6 .900 .0670 Cinco Pesos 19.05 .900 .1205 Diez Pesos 22.5 .900 .2411 Vienta Pesos 27.0 .900 .4823 50 Pesos 36.0 .900 1.2057 Quarter Ounce 23.0 .999 .2500 1000 Peso 33.8 .999 1.000 1 Onza 33.8 .999 1.000
Step 3
Using the table above, calculate the value of any coin by multiplying the gold content in troy ounces by the current spot price of gold. Today that price is approximately $1150 per ounce. For example, a two peso gold coin contains .0482 troy ounces of gold. $1150 x .0482 = $55.43, the actual value of this coin. This information is very useful in either buying or selling gold coins. Normally you will pay a premium when you buy and would want to get spot or better when you sell. Knowing the value will allow you to be an informed buyer or seller and help you get the best price for your coin. The 50 peso gold coin contains 1.2057 troy ounces of gold and today should bring 1.2057 x 1150 = $1386.55 or better if selling and should cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $1400 if you are looking to purchase.
Step 4
Post 1950s Mexican gold bullion coins include the Onza and 1000 peso gold coins which are both 1 ounce of 24k gold, as well as the quarter ounce mexican bullion coin.
Tip
The spot price of gold will fluctuate from day to day and is the final determinant of the value of your gold coin.
Warning
Most dealers of gold coins are honest and reputable, but a few can be predatory. Before you purchase or sell your gold coins, know the value of what you have and get the dealer to explain his policy for buying and selling gold coins and the percentages he adds to coins he sells and how much he'll pay you for any coins you want to sell back to him in the future.
Things You'll Need
Table of gold content in article
A calculator
Knowledge of the spot price of gold
Video of the Day