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-Editorial
In a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 6, at the Interactive Museum of Economics (MIDE) in Mexico City, the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) marked a significant milestone by commemorating 200 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States through the issuance of a 20-peso commemorative coin. Five million coins were minted and released into circulation on Wednesday, December 6. It’s worth noting that the initial proposal for this coin was initiated in September 2022 by Senator Gina Andrea Cruz Blackledge from Baja California, serving as the Chair of the North American Foreign Relations Committee in the Senate of the Republic.
This commemorative piece, belonging to the C1 family, not only symbolizes two centuries of exchange and collaboration between both nations but also stands out for its unique design and security elements.
With a diameter of 30 millimeters and a dodecagonal shape, this commemorative coin distinguishes itself with its 12 sides and a weight of 12.67 grams. It features security characteristics such as a latent image and microtext, emphasizing its authenticity and commemorative value
On its obverse, the coin displays the majestic National Shield surrounded by the legend “Estados Unidos Mexicanos” (United Mexican States), while on the reverse, the phrase “Two hundred years of diplomatic relations between the United Mexican States and the United States of America” stands out. The design includes the representation of two eagles, symbolizing both countries, accompanied by the microtext “Friendship, Sovereignty, and Cooperation” and the latent image “200”.
The Mexican Mint, responsible for minting this piece, has ensured its authenticity and quality in accordance with the Decree published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on June 16, 2023. This commemorative coin is legal tender, allowing the population to use it for any type of payment, and is available through the banking system.
The official presentation of this commemorative coin featured the distinguished presence of Banxico’s governor, Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, the U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar, Senator Gina Andrea Cruz Blackledge from Baja California, and the Secretary of Finance and Public Credit, Rogelio Ramírez de la O.
Among the technical specifications of the coin are its dodecagonal shape, a diameter of 30 millimeters, and a discontinuous grooved edge. Its bimetallic composition includes a silver-plated alloy for the central part (65% copper, 10% nickel, and 25% zinc) and a bronze-aluminum alloy for the perimeter ring (92% copper, 6% aluminum, and 2% nickel).
This commemorative release not only celebrates two centuries of exchange and collaboration between Mexico and the United States but also represents a symbol of friendship, sovereignty, and cooperation between both countries, where mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation have been established in all areas, as highlighted by Rodríguez Ceja. Yellen emphasized its importance as a catalyst for investment and bilateral trade, where nearshoring stands out as a tool for greater alliances between both countries, with Mexico currently being the United States’ top global trading partner, while Ramírez de la O highlighted the strong economic, political, social, and cultural ties between both nations, reflected in a trade flow reaching 1.4 million dollars per minute.
The approval and ratification of this coin by the Mexican Senate and deputies reflect its significance, officially consolidated in June after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation. This commemorative issuance is a historical tribute celebrating and symbolizing two centuries of exchange and collaboration between Mexico and the United States, marking progress in the history of both nations, which is intended to continue in the centuries to come.
