Pre-Columbian Art 100 Pesos

This 1980 Mexican 100 Pesos coin reproduces a detailed stone mask from the Aztec Templo Mayor on its reverse, drawing directly from artifacts unearthed in the 1970s excavations.

That design choice was bold for a commemorative piece, as it sidestepped the usual patriotic symbols in favor of raw pre-Columbian imagery. Struck in .925 fine silver, the coin weighs 28.8 grams and measures 41 millimeters across, with a plain edge that belies its artistic heft. Minted by the Casa de Moneda de México, it was part of a series celebrating indigenous heritage, though exact production figures remain murky—records from that era are spotty at best.

Obverse shows the Mexican coat of arms, as you'd expect, with the denomination and date neatly inscribed. The whole thing reflects Mexico's push to honor its roots amid modern politics.

Some claim these coins carry mystical vibes, but that's just collector fluff. They don't.