Description:
1874, Mexico (2nd Rep.). Silver 50 Centavos (½ Scales Peso) Coin. Zacatecas!
Condition: VF+ Mint Year: 1874 Mintage: 56,000 pcs. Reference: KM-407.8. Mint Place: Zacatecas (Zs) Denomination: 50 Centavos (½ Republican Dollar) Material: Silver (.903) Weight: 13.32gm Diameter: 30mm
Obverse: Illuminated Phrygian cap with "libertad" inscription, above scales, sword and scroll. Legend: 50 CENTAVOS Zs H. 902.7
Reverse: Eagle with a snake in its beak, standing on isle with a cactus plant, surrounded by water. Date and wreath below. Legend: REPUBLICA MEXICANA (terminated by olive and oak branches) 1874
The peso was originally the name of the eight-real coins issued in Mexico by Spain. These were the so-called Spanish dollars or pieces of eight in wide circulation in the Americas and Asia from the height of the Spanish Empire until the early 19th century. After Mexico gained its independence in 1821, the new government continued the Spanish monetary system of 16 silver reales = 1 gold escudo, with the peso of 8 reales the largest silver coin. Paper money was also issued, denominated in pesos.
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States of America; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Covering almost two million square kilometres (over 760,000 sq mi), Mexico is the fifth largest country in the Americas by total area and the 13th largest independent nation in the world. With an estimated population of over 113 million, it is the world's eleventh most populous country and the most populous Spanish-speaking country. Mexico is a federation comprising thirty-one states and a Federal District, the capital city.