Preliminary identification

Mexican 1 Peso Bi-metallic Coin, 1996

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a circulating bi-metallic Mexican 1 Peso coin dated 1996, featuring the iconic national coat of arms on the obverse and the Aztec Sun Stone design on the reverse. Introduced as part of the 'Nuevos Pesos' monetary reform, it represents a pivotal era of economic transition in modern Mexican history.

Story

In 1993, Mexico stripped three zeros off its hyper-inflated currency to introduce the 'Nuevo Peso'. This 1996 coin is a direct survivor of that massive economic rebirth, carrying the ancient soul of the Aztec empire into daily modern commerce.

Maker / Origin

Struck by the Casa de Moneda de México, which was founded in 1535 by Spanish decree. It is the oldest active mint in the Americas, renowned for centuries of producing some of the world's most beautiful and widely circulated silver coinage.

Condition & Value

The coin shows moderate wear, light scratches, and minor oxidation consistent with circulating pocket change. It retains clear details on the eagle's feathers and the Aztec calendar ring, but lacks original mint luster. This circulated condition keeps its value at base face value.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.