Mexican 1 centavo coin

1 centavo
Coin from 1952
General information
Used by	Mexico Second Mexican Empire
Value	$0.01
Years	1863–1864 1869–1897 1899–1973
Measurements and composition
Mass	8 g (1863) 9.5 g (1864) 8.9 g (1869-1897) 2 g (1882-1883, 1950-1969) 2.61 g (1899-1905) 3 g (1905-1949) 1.5 g (1970-1973)
Diameter	26.5 mm (1863) 25 mm (1864, 1869-1897) 16 mm (1882-1883) 19.5 mm (1899-1949) 16 mm (1950-1969) 13 mm (1970-1973)
Composition	Copper (1863, 1864, 1869-1897, 1899-1905) Cupronickel (1882-1883) Bronze (1905-1949) Brass (1950-1973)
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The 1 centavo coin was first minted by Mexico in 1863. During 1864, the Second Mexican Empire then introduced a new 1 centavo coin. In 1869, two years after the disestablishment of the Second Mexican Empire, a new design for the 1 centavo coin was used, and in 1883, a short-lived design also circulated. Afterwards, new designs were introduced during 1899 and 1950.

History

First issue

The 1863 coin.

In 1863, the first 1 centavo coin was introduced. It was composed of copper, had a mass of 8 grams, and had a diameter of 26.5 millimeters. The edge was reeded. Displayed on the obverse was an image of Liberty seated, with the legend, "LIBERTAD Y REFORMA" ("freedom and reform"). Shown on the reverse was the value and year of minting surrounded by branches. About 1,025,000 of these coins were produced at the San Luis Potosì Mint.

Imperial issue

The imperial 1 centavo coin.

During the first reign of the Second Mexican Empire, a new 1 centavo coin was introduced. Like its predecessor, the coin was composed of copper and had a mass of 8 grams, but had a diameter of 25 millimeters. On the obverse was the coat of arms of Mexico with the state title (IMPERIO MEXICANO). Shown on the reverse was the value and year of minting surrounded by branches.

Third coin

Coin from 1898.

In 1869, two years after the disestablishment of the Second Mexican Empire, the third design of the 1 centavo coin was introduced. It was composed of copper, had a mass of 8.9 grams, a diameter of 25 millimeters, and a thickness of 1.5 millimeters. The edge on earlier coins was reeded, while later coins bore a smooth edge. Displayed on the obverse was the coat of arms of Mexico with the new state title (REPUBLICA MEXICANA). Inscribed on the reverse was the coin's value and year of minting surrounded by branches. They were produced at a number of mints across Mexico. Production of these coins ended in 1897.

Cupronickel issue

The short-lived cupronickel coin.

During 1882, another 1 centavo coin was introduced, which circulated alongside the copper issue that came before it. It was composed of cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel), had a mass of 2 grams, and had a diameter of 16 millimeters. On the obverse were a bow, quiver, and macuahuitl with the year of minting. On the reverse was the value (as a Roman numeral) surrounded by a wreath. These coins were very short-lived, having only been minted from 1882 to 1883. A total of 99,955,000 of these coins were produced.