By the mid 1980’s hyperinflation was quickly eroding the value of the peso and impacting the cost of minting coinage. It was longer profitable to produce 50 pesos coinage on the larger (35 mm) copper-nickel planchet.
In response the Mexico City Mint issued a new 50 pesos coin on a dramatically smaller planchet (23.5 mm) than the previous Coyolxauhqui 50 pesos series which used a 35 mm planchet.
The obverse design features the Mexican coat of arms, an eagle clutching a snake while it perches on a prickly pear cactus. In an arc around the design is the phrase “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS”.
The reverse design features the bust design of Benito Juarez. To the left of the design is the denomination “$50” and to the right of the design is the mint mark “Mo” for the Mexico City Mint.
Part way through 1988 the Mexico City Mint changed the composition from copper-nickel to stainless steel. Because the 1988 coins were issued in both compositions it can be difficult to differentiate. The easiest method is to look at the coins edge, copper-nickel coins had a reeded edge while stainless steel coins had a smooth edge.
Type 1 Copper-Nickel: 8.5 grams with reeded edge
Type 2 Stainless Steel: 7.3 grams with smooth edge
General Market Notes
All years were made in large mintages making them affordable and easy to obtain.