1918 Mexico 1 Centavo

The 1918 Mexican 1 Centavo was struck using bronze planchets salvaged from pre-Revolution stock, a practical move to restart minting amid scarce resources.

That decision kept production humming at the Mexico City mint, despite the lingering chaos of the Revolution. The coin's design, featuring the eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent in its beak, carried over from earlier issues for familiarity. Variations in strike quality are common, thanks to worn dies from the period's disruptions.

Exact mintage figures are murky; records from that era were spotty at best. Still, it's a sturdy little piece, often found in circulated condition after a century.

Some collectors swear these coins bring good luck, but that's just copper tarnish talking.