Eagle & Snake Authentic Diez Centavos Coin, Shank-Back Button, 15/16" #SW-29
Authentic copper-toned, Mexican 1950's/60's coin, made into buttons by a Four Corners button artisan. Domed, with a satin sheen, and shank back with an opening around 2mm. These are real coins, made from bronze (which has copper content; hence the great copper color) - not replicas. The front is the eagle and snake side. The back has Juarez' portrait, the year, and the shank. The dates (not seen when you wear the garment) will be from 1955-1967; mostly 1967. Quite good and consistent condition. $7.85 each while supplies last.
About this coin:
From 1947 to 1954 the Mexico City Mint produced no 10 centavos coinage but that would change with introduction of new coinage in 1955. The previous Aztec design was replaced with a tribute to Benito Juarez and coins were produced from 1955 to 1967 with a bronze composition but were issued intermittently for only 6 years during this period.
Benito Juarez was one of Mexico’s most notable political heroes similar to how Abraham Lincoln is viewed in the United States. Benito was president for five terms from 1858 to 1872 during Mexico’s most difficult period. He introduced social reforms that reduced Church powers and increased the power of Mexico’s citizens. Another interesting aspect was the he was of full-blooded Native American decent and the only full-blooded native to ever serve as president of Mexico.
Design
The obverse design features the Mexican coat of arms, an eagle clutching a snake while it perches on a prickly pear cactus. On the outer periphery is the phrase “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS” or as translated to English “United Mexican States”.
The reverse design features a bust image of Benito Juarez facing left. On the outer periphery is the denomination “DIEZ CENTAVOS” (Ten Centavos) as well as the year of issue and mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
