Mexico 1983-Mo Small-Size Morelos One Peso

pruebas

The new, small-size 24.5mm stainless steel Morelos Peso (KM-496) was first released in 1984 in circulation with a mintage in excess of 722 million examples. But did you know that a 1983 example exists?

The reduced-size 1983 Morelos Peso is usually considered a pattern (KM-Pn228 with a reported mintage of 12), but some consider it a regular issue. While I don't remember the reasoning behind it, if true it would be the rarest Peso of Mexico, including even the 1949. Whatever it is, pattern or regular issue, it's a tough coin!

Because I found a higher-graded one, I am selling my duplicate at Heritage on May 7.

For some reason, all of this issue are plagued with stained, streaked, dinged-up planchets and weak strikes. They are ALL like this. But the Heritage coin isn't bad looking in hand, given the assigned grade.

Link to the auction lot.

Boosibri

What is this... you are actually selling a duplicate?

Abuelo

Interesting, I never liked those but appreciate the rarity. Good luck!

MasonG

How likely is it that a coin intended as a regular issue would have a mintage of 12 pieces?

pruebas

@MasonG said:
How likely is it that a coin intended as a regular issue would have a mintage of 12 pieces?

I agree with you (and since I collect patterns, I never gave it much more thought).

But several people (including former dealer Richard Long) had their reasons or inside knowledge for asserting that it was a regular issue.