What does the new currency celebrate?
The new 20 peso coin will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Consolidation of the Independence of Mexico at Seaa key episode that marked the definitive closure of the independence process.
According to the decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the piece remembers the moment when Mexico achieved control of its coasts and maritime routes, thus consolidating its sovereignty not only in the continental territory, but also in the naval field. This historical event occurred in 1825, when Mexican forces recovered the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, the last Spanish bastion in the country.
The currency is issued under the Monetary Law of the United Mexican States and is part of the commemorative editions that seek to disseminate and preserve key moments in national history, without losing its function as a means of legal tender payment.
(Photo: Anylú Hinojosa-Peña)
Characteristics of the new 20 peso coin
According to the decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the new 20 peso commemorative coin will have the following technical and design characteristics:
Nominal value: 20 pesos.
Shape: Dodecagonal (12 sides).
Diameter: 30 millimeters.
Guy: Bimetallic coin.
Composition
Center part: Silver nickel silver alloy
65% copper, 10% nickel and 25% zinc
Weight: 5.51 grams
Weight tolerance: ±0.22 grams
Perimetric ring: Bronze-aluminum alloy
92% copper, 6% aluminum and 2% nickel
Weight: 7.16 grams
Weight tolerance: ±0.29 grams
Total weight of the coin: 12.67 grams, with a tolerance of ±0.51 grams per piece.
As for the design, on the obverse the coin will carry the National Coat of Arms with the legend “United Mexican States” forming the upper semicircle, as occurs with other legal tender coins.
On the reverse, the commemorative motif will be related to the 200th anniversary of the Consolidation of Mexico’s Independence at Sea and will be defined by the Bank of Mexico, at the proposal of the Secretary of the Navy. This design will include the denomination “$20”, the “Mo” mint of the Mexican Mint and the legend “1825–2025”.
The edge will be discontinuously striated, a characteristic that makes it easier to identify by touch. In addition, the coin will have security elements, such as a latent image and microtext on the reverse, which will be linked to the commemorative motif and seek to make counterfeiting difficult.
As it is a coin with nominal value, the new piece can be used for payments, purchases and any type of transaction, regardless of its commemorative nature.
(Photo: Banxico)
All 20 peso coins are valid and should continue to be used
The 20 peso coins, in force since 1993, have full legal value and must be accepted in all transactions, whether common or commemorative editions. Although many people find them uncomfortable or prefer to keep them as collector’s items, this does not affect their validity.
The Bank of Mexico reminds that, although some old coins are in the process of being retired, their denomination is still valid. Businesses and users are obliged to receive them like any other cash.
Therefore, when paying with 20 peso coins, you not only comply with the law, but you also facilitate the circulation of cash and make the most of the durability and resistance of these pieces compared to banknotes.
