Expert: Brad Swain - 2/18/2010

Question
Re-discoveded an 1889 Mexican coin tossed aside long ago in my memory box. I Googled "old Peso coin" and this link and your name came up as expert.  Hope you can help.  The coin has typical bird holding-biting serpant/Estados Unidos Mexicanos on one side.  The other side has mustached male bust at center / Madero left of bust / 1889 left of bust / $500 at bottom / and a small "o" directly over a capital "M" right of bust.  Guesstimate condition would be Good since all high-relief (man's beard, bird's feathers) are clear and sharp.  Coin also feels heavy in hand = silver content ?  Can you help ID and is value current rate of exchange or greater ?  Thanks / Dave

Answer
Hi Dave, This copper-nickel 500 Pesos coin features Francisco Madero (1873-1913), president and revolutionary leader.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_I._Madero
These were minted in Mexico City (Mo) in 1989 of a design used 1986-92.
Collector value of a coin depends on date, mint mark (if any), number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning as well as collector demand for it.
Mexico had a monetary reform in 1992 that converted 1000 Pesos into 1 New Peso (about .10 U.S.).
Collector value may be worth about .20 with heavy wear to around .40 with moderate wear to maybe .75 with light wear to maybe $2 if uncirculated. You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad