If you are interested in gold coins, you may have heard the name “Centenario.” It is one of the most famous gold coins in the world. People love it for its beauty, history, and gold value.
One of the most common questions about this coin is: “How much does a Centenario weight?”
This blog will explain everything about the Centenario coin in simple words, including its weight, history, gold content, value, and why people buy it. Let’s get started!
What Is a Centenario?
The Centenario is a gold coin from Mexico. It was first made in 1921 to celebrate 100 years of Mexican independence from Spain. That’s why it’s called “Centenario” — which means “centenary” or 100 years.
The coin was made by the Mexican Mint, known as La Casa de Moneda de México. This is the oldest mint in the Americas, founded in 1535.
The Centenario is not a regular currency anymore. You can’t use it to buy groceries. But it is very popular among gold investors, collectors, and people who want to store value.
How Much Does a Centenario Weight?
The total weight of a Centenario coin is:
41.67 grams (or about 1.3396 troy ounces)
But not all of that is pure gold. Like most gold coins, the Centenario is made with a mix of gold and a small amount of copper to make it stronger.
So let’s look at the details.
How Much Pure Gold Is in a Centenario?
The Centenario has:
37.5 grams of pure gold
That is the same as 1.2057 troy ounces of 24K gold.
The rest (4.17 grams) is copper, which gives the coin strength and a reddish color.
So, we can say:
-
Total weight: 41.67 grams
-
Pure gold weight: 37.5 grams
-
Purity: 90% gold (21.6 karats)
Why Is the Centenario Not 100% Gold?
You might wonder why the coin is not made of 100% pure gold (like 24K or 99.99%). The reason is simple:
Pure gold is soft. It bends and scratches easily. To make coins that last long and don’t get damaged, mints add a small amount of copper or other metals. This makes the coin stronger.
Many gold coins around the world use this mix, like:
-
American Gold Eagle (91.67% gold)
-
South African Krugerrand (91.67% gold)
-
Centenario (90% gold)
So, the Centenario follows a common and trusted standard.
Dimensions of the Centenario
The Centenario is a large coin. Here are its size details:
-
Diameter: 37 mm (millimeters)
-
Thickness: 2.7 mm
-
Weight: 41.67 grams
-
Gold Content: 37.5 grams (1.2057 troy ounces)
It is bigger and heavier than many other gold coins. That’s one reason why collectors and investors love it.
What Does the Centenario Coin Look Like?
The coin has two beautiful designs — one on each side.
Front (Obverse) Side:
-
Shows “Winged Victory” (La Victoria Alada), a famous angel statue from Mexico City.
-
Behind her are the Mexican volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
-
The year 1821 (independence year) and the year the coin was minted (e.g., 1947) are also on this side.
Back (Reverse) Side:
-
Shows the Mexican coat of arms: an eagle holding a snake while standing on a cactus.
-
Around the edge, it says “Estados Unidos Mexicanos” (United Mexican States).
It is truly a beautiful coin with deep meaning and national pride.
When Were Centenarios Made?
The Centenario was first made in 1921. Coins were minted several years after that.
The most common year seen on Centenario coins is:
1947
Why? Because even after 1947, the Mexican Mint kept producing more coins with the 1947 date, even in the 1970s, 1980s, and later.
So if you see a Centenario that says 1947, it may have been minted much later — but it is still real gold and legal.
Is the Centenario Still Being Made?
No. The Mexican Mint stopped making Centenarios a long time ago. But they still produce gold Libertad coins, which are modern versions inspired by the Centenario design.
So, Centenarios are now limited edition coins — this makes them more valuable for collectors and gold buyers.
How Much Is a Centenario Worth?
Now that we know the coin has 37.5 grams of pure gold, its value depends mostly on:
-
Current gold price
-
Demand from collectors
-
Coin condition
Let’s do a sample calculation.
Example:
Let’s say gold is selling at ₹6,000 per gram today.
Centenario has 37.5 grams of gold.
37.5 × ₹6,000 = ₹225,000 (approx.)
That’s the melt value (value of gold only).
But due to collector interest, the real market value may be a bit higher.
So, a Centenario coin may be worth ₹2.25 to ₹2.5 lakh or more, depending on the seller and buyer.
Why Do People Buy Centenario Coins?
Here are some reasons:
1. Gold Investment
People buy Centenarios as a way to store wealth. Gold keeps its value over time and can protect money from inflation.
2. Collecting
The Centenario is a historic and rare coin. Collectors love it for its design and background.
3. Size and Beauty
It’s a big and beautiful coin. It makes a strong statement and is great to own.
4. Trust
Made by the official Mexican Mint, it’s trusted worldwide.
Is a Centenario a Good Investment?
Yes, in many ways, it is:
Pros:
-
High gold content (37.5g pure gold)
-
Government-issued coin
-
Historic and collectible
-
Easy to buy and sell
Cons:
-
Slightly higher premium than raw gold
-
May be less liquid in some countries
But overall, it’s a strong, reliable investment for gold lovers and collectors.
What Is a “Double Centenario”?
Some people confuse this term. But there is no “official” double Centenario coin.
However, there are larger gold coins made by other countries, like:
-
1 oz or 2 oz gold coins
-
50g or 100g gold bars
These are different from the classic Centenario, which has only one standard version — the 41.67g coin.
Fun Facts About the Centenario
-
It was the first-ever gold coin made in Mexico for the independence celebration.
-
Even though the most common date is 1947, thousands were minted in later years using that same date.
-
The Winged Victory design is now used on Mexican Libertad coins too.
-
A Centenario is bigger than a 1 oz American Eagle or 1 oz Canadian Maple Leaf coin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Centenario made of pure gold?
No. It is 90% gold and 10% copper. It contains 37.5 grams of pure gold.
How much does the Centenario coin weigh?
The total weight is 41.67 grams.
Is the Centenario still being made?
No. But you can still find them for sale in gold markets and online stores.
Is the Centenario legal tender?
Yes, but it’s not used as money. It has a face value of 50 pesos, but its real value is much higher.
Where can I sell a Centenario?
To jewelers, gold dealers, collectors, or online marketplaces. Always compare offers.