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Mexico Gold TokensPlease bear in mind that any numbering system employed here is not set in stone. As new varieties are found and added to the list, numbers for similar varieties can change to make room.
Click the Links for Individual Listings:
Maximilian Tokens | Maximilian & Carlota
Cuauhtemoc - Aztec Calendar | Augustinus | Misc | Copies
Mexico Gold Token Overview
Mexican gold tokens began being produced in 1949 and continues to this day. They range from 8k to 22k gold, and a few varieties were also struck in silver. By in large, Mexican gold tokens are mostly related to Maximilian who ruled Mexico from 1864-1867. In addition, there are tokens bearing both Maximilian and his wife Carlota; tokens bearing Cuauhtemoc, the last emperor of the Aztecs; and tokens bearing Augustin I Iturbide who ruled Mexico from 1822-1823. I list each of these categories separately and also have separate listings for miscellaneous tokens that don't fit within those types, and listings for small-sized gold copies of Mexican gold coins.
These tokens are commonly referred to as Mexico Gold Fantasy tokens,
but have also been misrepresented on Ebay and elsewhere as gold 1 Peso
coins. They were made for collectors, jewelry use, tourists visiting Mexico, and
as marriage tokens. Although a number of these were used as marriage tokens, none
are marked as such. Non-gold marriage tokens such as these were made specifically
for that purpose. (See Forrest Stevens website for excellent information
and variety listings of Marriage/Arras tokens.)
Varieties
As this project has progressed, I am continually amazed at how many different varieties are
being found. We've come a long way from the Krause world coin catalog mention of "5 varieties".
Distinguishing between a die variety and simply varying die states is problematic when
it's difficult to tell whether you're dealing with multiple dies made off one master or simply repolishing and re-engraving of a die when a die develops problems. For now, I'm just listing
everything I find in the most organized way I can. I have knowingly listed die states
separately in the case of Maximilian Unknown Maker 1(UM1) #4f, 4g and 4h since I
found that progression most interesting. At any rate, I'll continue to list everything
I can while constantly revising how the list is presented.
Pricing
Being as modern as they are, no particular varieties command huge prices. Most tokens
can be had in the $10-20 range. The most recent Italian-made tokens are readily available on Ebay. The English-made tokens, so far as I have seen, are always found in
jewelry - usually 9k rings so they will cost more to obtain. On average, Max tokens
where his profile is facing left will cost more than those where his bust is facing
right. Other token types such as Maximilian & Carlota, Agustinus, & Cuauhtemoc usually
are found in the $20 price range.
Weights and Measurements
Weights and measurements can be a tricky area. They will often differ from one person
to another. In the case of diameter, it is not unusual to find differences of ±.03mm.
Similarly, thickness can vary easily depending on how lightly or firmly a caliper is
pressed against the coin. It's not unusual to find differences of ±.01mm in the thickness.
Given the size of these coins, such slight differences make accurate deductions as to
the gold content difficult. However, once you handled these coins for awhile you get a
feel for whether they are real gold or not and can sometimes approximate the karat.
With regard to weight, differences are usually seen coin to coin. Makers of these aren't
held to the quality control standards of a major Mint. Weights can vary, as do planchet
sizes.
Sources:
Special thanks to Mike Locke, Don Bailey, Jane Bradley with the library at
The Goldsmiths' Company & London Assay Office, and Paul N.
Brother, Ph.D.
Coins of Mexico: 1536-1963 by Neil S. Utberg, 1963, pp.68-71
Numismatic Sidelines of Mexico by Neil S. Utberg, 1965 p.20 & p.79
The Numismatist, Aug. 1968 V81 N8, p.1003-1009
Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine, Apr. 1969, p.661
Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine, Sept. 1970, p.1195
Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, The French Intervention, Its History and that
of its Coinage 1864-1867 by Dr. Alberto Francisco Pradeau, 1970, p.20
Medals of Mexico Vol. II 1821-1971 by Frank W. Grove, 1972, pp.32-33
The Numismatist, Apr. 1976 V89 N4, pp.743-750
The Coins of the Republic of Mexico, 1823-1905, and the Empire of Maximilian, 1864-1867
by Neil S. Utberg, newly edited by Dr. G.W. Vogt, 1976, p.22
The Numismatist, Jan. 1982 V95 N1, pp.33-40
Stack's Auction Dec. 2001 Lot 462
A Guide Book of Mexican Coins 1822 to Date, by T.V. Butrey & Clyde Hubbard
6th Edition, 1992, p.27 & p.123
USMexNA Journal of Mexican Numismatics V7 N1 March 2003 p.8
Standard Catalog of World Coins by Krause & Mishler, various editions.
Contact Me
Please drop me a line at andy@zgold.com if you have any additional information or
corrections. I'm also looking to purchase the varieties marked as Wanted, and
am interested in hearing about any I don't have listed.
Thanks, Andy Gunderson.
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