Description

The design of the 2.50 Peso offers viewers a small glimpse into the rich history of Mexico. Gracing the front of the coin is the portrait of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla, the Mexican pastor who would ultimately lead an army of over 90,000 civilians into battle during Mexico’s War for Independence. In order to honor such an inspirational figure, resident artists have provided the most accurately rendered portrait possible, from the details of his noble profile to the texture of his hair. Printed in an arched formation beneath the portrait are the coin’s denomination of “Dos y Medio Pesos” and its year of issuance.

Proudly stamped across the reverse side of the coin is yet another image that is central to the history of Mexico, its official Coat of Arms. This significant emblem draws its inspiration from folklore surrounding the founding of Mexico. Legend has it that the first settlers were instructed by the gods to look for a golden eagle devouring a serpent as it perches on top of a prickly pear cactus. Once, they encountered such a phenomenon; this would be a sign of where to build their city. The image would eventually come to represent the triumph of good over evil after their War against Spain. Inscribed above the coat of arms is the name “Estados Unidos Mexicanos.”