A simple guide to Mexico’s 72% silver coins

Ever see “0.720” on a Mexican coin and wonder what it means? You’re not alone. Let’s make it easy.

Answer: A “0.720 Mexican coin” is a coin made of 72% silver (and 28% copper). In Mexico this purity is called “ley 0.720.” Some famous pesos used it for many years. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

What “0.720” really means

Think of 100 tiny parts. In a 0.720 coin, 72 parts are silver. The rest is copper. This mix makes the coin strong, shiny, and useful. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Famous coins that use 0.720 silver

• 1 Peso (1920–1945) — 16.66 g total. About 12 g is pure silver (Actual Silver Weight ≈ 0.3856 troy oz). Look for “LEY 0.720” on the coin. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• 25 Pesos (1968 Olympics) — 22.5 g total, 0.720 silver (ASW ≈ 0.5208 troy oz). It shows the Olympic design. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• 100 Pesos (1977–1979) — 27.77 g total, 0.720 silver (ASW ≈ 0.6428 troy oz). Big, bold, and shiny. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Why did Mexico use 0.720?

Silver was money. But silver prices moved up and down. To keep coins in people’s hands (and not melted), Mexico used mixes like 0.720. This kept coins strong and affordable for daily life. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

How to spot it fast

• Find words like “LEY 0.720” or just “0.720” near the edge or under the eagle.
• Older pesos (1920–1945) and the 1968 and 1977–1979 coins are good places to look. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Easy silver math (no stress)

To find the silver inside, multiply the coin’s weight by 0.72. Example: 16.66 g × 0.72 ≈ 11.99 g of silver (about 12 g). That’s the 1 Peso from 1920–1945. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Value basics (today and tomorrow)

Two things matter: silver value and collector value. Silver value (called “melt”) changes with the market. Some coins are worth more to collectors for their date, look, or grade. Check a trusted coin guide for current details. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Quick cheat sheet

Mini-FAQ

Is 0.720 real silver? Yes. It is 72% silver by weight.

Is every old peso 0.720? No. Many are, but not all. Always check the coin’s text and specs. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Mexico's Best Fiesta Favorites

Top-Trending Gift Ideas