The Use of Seated Imagery in Numismatics
Central America

Owner Comments:

PESO 1910:

The “Caballito Peso” is widely considered one of the most beautiful coins Mexico has produced. The first year of this coins issue was in 1910 coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the start of “The Mexican War of Independence” against Spain on 18 September 1810.

The term “Caballito” fits well into the imagery of this coin and translates to, “Pony or Small Horse”. The obverse imagery features the personification of Freedom riding on what I suspect is a white horse towards the sunrise of a free and independent Mexico. Liberty and Freedom are often interchangeable names for Libertas, the Roman goddess of Liberty. However, since the female personification on this coin is holding the “Torch of Freedom”, I tend towards calling her Freedom. In Freedom’s right hand is an oak branch, symbolic of the strength and moral resolve of the people against a tyrannical government. Furthermore, given the fact that Freedom is blazing a trail lit by her torch, she is looking behind her to see who will follow her on the path that leads to freedom and independence.

The reverse of this coin features the Mexican coat of arms using a multitude of symbols intertwined into its imagery. First, the defiant eagle represents the Mexican people and the snake their enemies. The imagery of the strangled snake by the eagle’s beak indicates Mexico’s victory over all her foes. The eagle by perching on a cactus shows the willingness of the people to overcome any and all obstacles that may stand in their way. The earth and water of Tenochtitlan illustrate the multi-ethnicity of the Mexican people combining both the indigenous Aztec and Spanish peoples. The laurel and oak wreath encircling the arms represents victory and those who have given their lives for Mexico.

The edge inscription of this coin reads “Independence and Liberty”.