Image: Wikimedia Commons · Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
1823 1/2 Real Mexico
Mexico
1823
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Market Price Range
Based on 2 eBay listings · Prices vary by grade and condition
Estimated Melt Value
$0.03
Based on Copper spot price ($6.07/oz) · 95.0% purity · 2.5g
Updated 7:18 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Mexico |
| Years Minted | 1823 |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Depicts the Mexican coat of arms with an eagle standing on a cactus devouring a serpent.
Reverse
Features the denomination '1/2' and the year '1823'.
History & Notable Facts
The 1823 1/2 Real was the first copper coin minted by Mexico's fledgling republic, a practical shift from silver to make change available to everyday folk after years of colonial scarcity.
This small copper piece, weighing about 2.5 grams, bore the Mexican eagle perched on a cactus, a symbol hastily adopted from the independence banners. It was struck in Mexico City, likely using local ore to avoid the expense of imported metals.
Exact mintage numbers are a mystery; official records burned in the 1838 archive fire. Still, survivors turn up in collections, often worn smooth from hard use.
Plenty of people confuse it with a token, and they're not entirely wrong.
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AI Analysis & Price Prediction
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