1955 Mexico 5 Centavos

This 1955 5 Centavos coin was struck from aluminum, a shift that saved Mexico's mint considerable weight in production costs during the 1950s.

That material choice reflected broader economic pressures after World War II. The obverse shows the national coat of arms, a eagle perched on a cactus, while the reverse lists the denomination and date. I’ve handled hundreds of these over the years; they’re unassuming, but their edges sometimes show wear from pocket change.

Mintage figures for this year are murky, as records from the Mexican mint can be incomplete. No famous designers are attached, just standard work from the Mexico City facility.

Aluminum coins like this one made for lighter pockets, if not lighter hearts.