Provisional Government Copper 10 Centavos 1915 MS 62 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: ESTADO L. Y S. DE OAXACA (Estado Libre y Soberano de Oaxaca, translation: The Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca) *1915* Bust of Benito Juarez facing left (2nd bust)

Reverse: MONEDA PROVISIONAL (translation: Provisional Coin) 10 CENTAVOS; Value in the center, with a half wreath beneath and legend above.

Edge: Corded

Reference: KM 727.1-727.3, GB 320