The Mexican Glow Pesos, coined between 1918 and 1945, are one of the most iconic coins of the Mexican numismatics. Its characteristic design with a radiant Phrygian cap and the motto “LIBERTY” on the reverse, giving them unparalleled historical and artistic value. Below, we'll explore their history, characteristics, and current value in the collector's market.
A reflection of Mexico's history
After Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), the country was facing a severe economic crisis. To restore confidence in money and replace the devalued war banknotes, the government Venustiano Carranza promoted the minting of silver coins. Thus were born the Glow Weights, divided into two series:
- First series (1918-1919): They contained 80% silver (.800 fineness) and were designed by Rafael Mendez.
- Second series (1920-1945): Purity was reduced to 72% silver (.720 fineness) to address resource scarcity and silver price volatility.
These coins circulated inside and outside the country, being very popular in markets such as China and United States.
Technical characteristics and design
The Glow Weights they have a 34mm diameter, variable weight according to the series (18.13 g in the first and 16.66 g in the second) and a 56-line grooved edge to avoid false accusations.
Obverse: A national symbol
On the obverse is the National Coat of Arms of Mexico, with an eagle devouring a snake on a cactus. This design, based on the official version of 1916 de Antonio Gomez Rodriguez, is surrounded by the inscription “UNITED MEXICAN STATES” and a wreath of oak and laurel.
Reverse: The iconic glow
The reverse is what gives these coins their name, with its radiant Phrygian cap and the inscription "FREEDOM". In addition, it shows the face value “ONE WEIGHT”, the year of minting and the mark "M", which indicates its manufacture in the Mexican Mint.
Changes in purity and their numismatic impact
The decision to reduce the amount of silver in 1920 It allowed more coins to be minted with less metal, preventing their melting and illegal export. Throughout its production, some years stood out for their minting volume:
- Highest mintage: 1932 (50,770,000 pieces)
- Lowest mintage: 1918 (3,050,000 pieces), making it one of the most valuable for collectors.
Current market value
The numismatic value of the Glow Weights varies according to their state of preservation and rarity. The pieces in MS65 grade (uncirculated) may exceed $ 700 dollars American coins, while the most common ones in circulation are usually quoted at around $ 500 dollars.
The Glow Weights They are not just pieces of silver, but witnesses of a a time of transformation in MexicoTheir symbolic design and history make them a special attraction for collectors and historians. Below is the complete mintage table:
| Year and Mint (Purity) | Coinage |
| 1918 M (.800) | 3,050,000 |
| 1919 M (.800) | 6,151,000 |
| 1920 M (.720) | 8,830,000 |
| 1921 M (.720) | 5,480,000 |
| 1922 M (.720) | 35,280,000 |
| 1923 M (.720) | 35,280,000 |
| 1924 M (.720) | 33,060,000 |
| 1925 M (.720) | 9,160,000 |
| 1926 M (.720) | 28,840,000 |
| 1927 M (.720) | 5,060,000 |
| 1932 M (.720) | 50,770,000 |
| 1933 M (.720) | 43,920,000 |
| 1934 M (.720) | 22,070,000 |
| 1935 M (.720) | 8,050,000 |
| 1938 M (.720) | 30,000,000 |
| 1940 M (.720) | 20,000,000 |
| 1943 M (.720) | 47,662,000 |
| 1944 M (.720) | 39,522,000 |
| 1945 M (.720) | 37,300,000 |
If you'd like to learn more about these coins, we invite you to download our complete guide with detailed information on variants, prices, and rarities. Don't miss it! Click the button below to learn more. download the complete guide:
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