INTERNATIONAL NUMISMATIC

SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO

 

CSNA 1268 - NASC 3026                                         ANA C-71399 Year LXIV

Topic This Month:

 

MEXICO

Joe Yager – Tokens of Mexico: Numismatic Survey Across Eras and Economies

Mexican numismatics offers one of the most varied and historically layered collecting fields in the Americas. From the silver coinage of the Spanish colonial mints to the distinctive republican issues of the 19th century and the modern designs of the Banco de México, the nation’s monetary history reflects centuries of political change, regional identity, and artistic expression. Alongside official coinage, Mexico also produced a remarkable range of tokens used by haciendas, mines, railroads, plantations, and local businesses. These pieces served practical roles in daily commerce while preserving the character of the communities that issued them.

The program this month will highlight that lesser-known side of Mexican numismatics through an illustrated look at Mexican tokens—their origins, uses, and the stories they reveal. Whether your interests lie in world coins, exonumia, or the broader history of the Americas, Mexican material offers a rich and rewarding area for exploration.

As always, please feel free to bring any material for our show-and-tell -- even if unrelated to our topic.   This promises to be an interesting and informative evening.  Bring a friend.

2026 INSSD Meeting Topics

June – Mike Shaw - Independence and Nation-Building

July – World War II

August – Jeff DePry -- Roman Emperors – Part 2

MAY 2026 QUIZ by Bob Fritsch

 Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday – go and enjoy a parade.  I head to Ottawa next weekend for the annual convention of the Ontario Numismatic Association.  Fantastic people up there. you should visit sometime.

Mexico is this month’s theme, a very popular one with this club.  Let’s look at the $20-peso denomination.  

Check https://www.banxico.org.mx/banknotes-and-coins/20-peso-current-coin-belong.html for the data.

1. Who is on the older (blue) $20-peso note that is being withdrawn from circulation?

2. How many sides are on the new $20-peso coin, what is its diameter, and what is on the edge?

3. Mexico has issued four $20-peso coins for what event depicting what scenes?

4. Name at least three reverse commemorations on this coin.                                 

APRIL 2026 QUIZ by Bob Fritsch

1. In 2009, Belarus issued a 20 Rouble silver coin honoring Spasy.  What tree was featured?

2. The Benin 2010 100 CFA Franc copper-nickel coin featured what plant?  BONUS:  What were two unique characteristics of this coin?

3. What tree is featured on the 2013 Lithuanian 2 Litai Bimetallic coin?

4. The Sierra Leone 2005 Dollar features a forest battle scene.  What battle?

APRIL ANSWERS

1.  Apple.  

2.  Cannabis Sativa.  BONUS: It was colorized and aromatic.  

3.  Stelmuze Oak.  

4.  Battle of the Bulge.