So far in this blog series covering Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest Modern World Coins, we have yet to cover emergency coin production. While we encountered our own version of emergency issues in the United States brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not nearly the first to have to do such. Even more urgent and struck amid turmoil, this next coin is a rarity that brought about major impact to the country’s numismatic community. Authors Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker will guide us through this top 80 pick.
#77 – Mexico 1915 Guerrero/Suriana Gold with Silver 2 Pesos
The Guerrero/Suriana 2 pesos was struck in 1915 when the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) was progressing during the early twentieth century. It was a harsh and uncertain time for all involved, so the fact that the Guerrero/Suriana 2 peso was struck during such unrest is remarkable. Even more remarkable is that it was struck in an impromptu mint built in the small town (and mining camp) of Suriana, a southern Mexican state of Guerrero.
Made of an unrefined blend of alloy comprised of gold and silver, the crown-sized coin is worth more in bullion than in face value. Many of those that were struck were more than likely melted down for these reasons. This also means that very few survived.
So far, only one example has been certified. The coin was graded AU-58 by NGC and sold for US$27,600 by Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio in 2012. Three years later it brought $28,200 at a Hertiage auction.
Modified versions of the design were struck in Guerrero in 1915. One of those examples sells for around $800-$1,000 in About Uncirculated condition.