The artwork featured on the 5 Peso coin pays homage to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Gracing the front side of the coin is the portrait of the Mexican hero, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. This celebrated pastor led an army of 90,000 civilians into battle during Mexico’s War of Independence. Given his historical significance, it is only fitting that artists would take great care in engraving the intricate details of this inspirational figure from the contours of his facial features to the wisps of his hair. The words “Cinco Pesos” appear along the edge of the coin along with its year of mintage. Proudly emblazoned unto the reverse side of the coin is the Mexican Coat of Arms. This emblem is derived from the folklore regarding the founding of Mexico, in which the first inhabitants received a divine message, instructing them to build a city once they encountered a golden eagle devouring a snake while standing upon a cactus. Since then, this powerful image has also come to symbolize the ideal of good triumphing over evil, a belief that provided significant hope during their oppression under Spain. Also inscribed above the emblem are the words, “Estados Unidos Mexicanos.”
