Commemorative coins in Mexico are special pieces that pay tribute to historical figures, events, or anniversaries. They are created by Banxico which, over time, has issued different editions with unique designs and great symbolic value.
In this post, we review some of the most important coins in history as well as the most current ones. In addition, we tell you their value and where to get them.
They are coins that the Bank of Mexico issues to honor individuals, celebrate a relevant event, or highlight an anniversary. All of them are legal tender, although many are issued only in collector formats and are rarely used in transactions.
Unlike other types of Mexican currency, commemoratives incorporate unique elements that reflect the reason for their creation. That is why many people prefer to keep them as collectible items.
Like US coins, Mexican commemorative coins have marked key moments in national history.
Some of the most important coins are:
The gold “Centenario” (1921).
The 25 MXN Olympic series (1968).
Bicentennial/Revolution series (5 pesos, 2008–2010).
It was minted in 1921 to commemorate 100 years of Mexico’s Independence. Its image of the Angel in the foreground and the volcanoes in the background made it an emblematic coin and a benchmark of Mexican numismatics.
Characteristics:
Metal: gold (.900).
Denomination: $50 pesos.
Design: obverse with national coat of arms; reverse with the Angel of Independence and volcanoes.
Belongs to the Centenario family.
Although it no longer circulates on the street, it remains legal tender and a piece for collecting and investment.
They were created to commemorate the Mexico ’68 Olympic Games.
Characteristics:
Metal: silver (.720).
Denomination: $25 pesos.
Design: obverse with national coat of arms; reverse with an athlete carrying the Olympic flame and pre-Hispanic motifs.
This was one of the most widely distributed issues of its time, according to Banxico’s annual report. That report indicates that about 680 million MXN corresponded to this issue.
This series paid tribute to the heroes of the Independence and the Mexican Revolution. It is a set of 5-peso Bicentennial coins minted between 2008 and 2010.
Characteristics:
Metal: bimetallic (stainless-steel ring + aluminum-bronze core).
Denomination: $5 pesos.
Design: portraits of 37 historical figures (19 from Independence, 18 from the Revolution).
This is the most extensive circulating collection among Banxico commemorative coins of this type.
In recent years, the Bank of Mexico has launched several 20-peso commemorative coins:
500 years since the Founding of Veracruz (2020).
500 years of the Historical Memory of Mexico-Tenochtitlan (2021).
700 years since the Lunar Founding of Mexico-Tenochtitlan (2021).
Bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence (2021).
100 years since the death of Emiliano Zapata (2021).
Bicentennial of the Mexican Navy (2021).
Bicentennial of the Heroic Military College (2023).
200 years of Mexico–United States Diplomatic Relations (2023).
500 years since the Founding of the First Town of Colima (2023).
Today’s 20-peso coins are distinguished by their:
Shape: dodecagonal (12 sides).
Composition: bimetallic (stainless-steel outer ring and aluminum-bronze core).
Size: 30 mm diameter.
Weight: 12.67 g.
Security: microtext, reliefs perceptible to the touch, and elements that improve durability.
Family: C1.
Legal tender: they are for general circulation throughout the country.
In addition, 20-peso commemoratives have a different design on each reverse according to the commemoration:
If you want to go further back, check Banxico’s online collection of Mexican coins. You can activate filters to find them by era and period.
The value of commemorative coins can be understood from two perspectives:
1. Face value, which is what it has as a means of payment as established by the Bank of Mexico.
1. Collector value, where factors beyond their use as money come into play. For example, rarity, design, material, demand, or minting errors—all of which can make the price higher.
This means that, on the street, a 20-peso commemorative coin may have the same value—i.e., 20 Mexican pesos. But in the numismatic market, its price may be higher if it meets some of the conditions mentioned.
That said, let’s look at the value of commemorative coins in September 2025.
Coin | Face value | Collector value (approx.) | Comment |
Gold Centenario (1921) | $50 MXN | $85,000 MXN for sale (per quotation) | Does not circulate on the street. |
25-peso Olympic (1968) | $25 MXN | $600 – $1,200 MXN | Common in silver collections. |
Bicentennial/Revolution series (5, 2008–2010) | $5 MXN | $100 – $200 MXN per piece. $5,000–$6,000 for the complete set | One of the most accessible contemporary collections. |
$20 C1 coins (2020–2023) | $20 MXN | $150 – $300 MXN (depending on design and condition) | Very much in demand. |
Prices based on numismatic market quotes and online listings.
It should be noted that commemorative coins only reach very high prices in specific cases.
For example, the 1921 gold Centenario can exceed $80,000 MXN because it is made of gold—although its price also depends on the international metal price and the exchange rate.
The reality is that most remain close to their face value. So the notion that some are worth thousands or millions is a myth.
Commemorative coins can be found through different channels:
At authorized banks at the time of their issue.
At specialized numismatic houses that buy and sell coins, including silver or gold editions.
At the Mexican Mint and Banxico, which offer them at official points of sale and through their online platforms.
At numismatic fairs and markets, where collectors and sellers trade pieces—often those that are hard to find.
In everyday circulation. Some 20-peso coins can be received as change in daily purchases.
It also depends on whether you are looking for coins for everyday use or collector pieces.
Commemorative coins in Mexico are objects of great interest, and many form part of national identity.
Like paper money, these coins have evolved over time. Today, they combine monetary and cultural value, artistic design, and, in some cases, numismatic interest.
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The 20 MXN commemorative coins of the C1 family, since they are the most recent (2020). Some 5- and 10-peso commemoratives from earlier issues also remain in circulation, but are rarely used as change.
You can obtain them on the street and at participating banks at the beginning of their issue. Numismatic editions of silver/gold coins are more likely to be found through authorized distributors and official points of sale.
On the street, you’ll find them at 20 pesos, and in the collectors’ market they are usually sold between 100 and 300 MXN—depending on the design, condition, and demand.
Gold and silver ones, such as the 1921 Centenario, which is priced based on metal/exchange rate—around $85,000 MXN for sale. The 1968 Olympic series also reaches higher prices in the market.
Sources:
Banxico Bicentennial coins catalog
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