Bronze Centavo 1915 MS 64 BN

This coin was minted during the heart of the Mexican Revolution, which lasted from 1910 to 1920. It began as a result of the fraudulent 1910 elections, when incumbent president Porfirio Diaz was reported to have won nearly 99% of the vote despite candidate Francisco Madero’s popularity. Madero denounced the results and called for rebellion. Diaz fled to Spain and Madero was elected, but he was overthrown in a coup in 1913. The next few years saw much instability, with different people attempting to gain power. An insurgent raid in New Mexico prompted U.S. military action against Mexico, but this conflict ended when the U.S. entered World War I. Mexico chose to remain neutral during World War I despite Germany’s attempt to form an alliance. This tumultuous period ended with Álvaro Obregón becoming president in 1920, the first of a series of revolutionary generals to hold office.

Obverse:  Mexican eagle perched on cactus eating a snake

Reverse: Value below date within wreath

Reference: KM 416