Original article on GoBankingRates.com
Planning a trip south of the border in the near future? Mexico might be in your sights, thanks to its majestic landscape, rich culture and one-of-a-kind cuisine.
But did you also know that some Mexican coins are incredibly valuable, some worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? It’s true. You just have to know exactly what you are looking for.
“The most valuable Mexican coins are going to be ones that were minted during the Spanish colonial era from the earlier part of the 16th century up until Mexican Independence in 1821,” said Sam Totty of Santa Monica Jewelry. “Especially coins minted during the earliest part of this time period have historically fetched the most at auction.”
As Totty explained, “A key component with the value of rare coins is not only rarity, but the condition of the coin. Coins are graded on a scale up to MS70 being the highest (this stands for Mint State 70). A MS70 coin is in perfect condition.”
So, whether you are planning a trip for business or pleasure, make sure the next time you are in Mexico you keep your eyes peeled for these coins. Because if you come across them, you could find yourself very rich.
Revolutionary Period Mexico Peso (1913-1914)
When it comes to a Mexican coin known as the Revolutionary Period Mexico Peso, it could be worth anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to thousands depending on the condition its in.
Totty has particular experience with one of these coins assessed to be very close to mint condition.
“…I saw a 1914 Revolutionary Period Mexico Peso in MS63 condition that sold at auction some time ago for somewhere in the ballpark of $35,000,” Totty recalled. “You can find the same coin in a much lower grade right now for $250 on eBay. Same coin, very different condition.”
President of RoundTable Trading, Rob Oberth added, “Beyond their face value, these revolutionary pesos offer a tangible link to a pivotal moment in Mexican history. They were used to finance the revolution and circulated during a period of great uncertainty. Owning one is like owning a piece of that history.”
Oberth noted that these pesos are “relatively rare and can be quite valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.”
Insurgent Coinage, Zitacuaro 8-Reales (1811)
While perhaps not the highest on the grading scale — NGC AU55 — this War of Independence insurgent coin is hard to find, yet much sought after by coin collectors.
They are part of a line of coinage minted after a “Supreme National Junta” was established at Zitacuaro in Michoacán in August 1811. These Zitacuaro 8-Reales are historic for marking the first time an eagle and cactus appear on Mexican currency, which would become iconic imagery in the years to follow.
According to Coin Value Checker, “only three known examples of the 8 Reales struck at the Zitacuaro mint exist. These examples were found in a shipwreck and were later put on auction.
“A collector owns one example, while the second one was sold at a Heritage auction for $373,750. The last one is still on sale, estimated at $200,000 to $250,000. This last remaining piece is graded Extra Fine (EF) 40 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company.”
These historic Zitacuaro coins are now over 200 years old and often make the list of some of the most valuable Mexican coins by today’s standards.
‘Royal’ 8-Escudos (1714)
If you are looking for a Mexican coin that reaches the status of “gem quality,” you’ll want to be on the hunt for the Royal 8-Escudos, 1714, NGC MS65, which is as valuable as it is rare.
Its rating is what makes it a gem, adding to its status and value by being a Royal coin often called a “presentation strike” on planchet using curated die.
The unconfirmed backstory to the Royal 8-Escudos coins’ production is said to be linked to the wedding ceremony and royal marriage of Philip V, King of Spain and Elizabeth Farnese’s.
Coin Value Lookup reports that in 2008, the 1714 Royal 8-Escudos was estimated to be worth between $100,000 and $125,000. At auction, a bidding war erupted for the coin and the winner was able to add it to their collection for a whopping $310,500.
Silver Peso (1914)
A Mexican peso struck on silver in 1914 does not seem like it would be all that rare, but for a long time it was rumored that this coin did not exist at all. With a MS62 grading, it’s the only one of its kind to be in existence or at least added to the records, according to Coin Value Lookup.
“Designed by the French Engraver Charles Pillet, this coin is considered by many to be a numismatic masterwork of the last century,” explained Ted Ancher, the director of numismatics at APMEX.
“This coin depicts reflections of the government’s attempt to represent the concept of liberty that the Republic wished its citizens to enjoy. Mexico at that time had become embroiled in a civil war because of the mismanagement of President Porfirio Diaz.”
Back in 2008, the price for the 1914 Silver Peso was listed somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000 but sold at auction for $35,650.
8 Reales (1538)
There are coins that are worth what is printed on them, and then there are coins with value that has only increased over time. While usually that time frame spans decades or centuries, some coins — such as the 1538 8 Reales — don’t require a long history to be valuable.
“To date, the most valuable Mexican coin ever sold was a 1538 8 Reales that sold at auction for over $500,000 less than 10 years ago,” Totty described. “There are only 3 known specimens, maybe someone could find a 4th?”
