At the turn of the 20th century, Mexico adopted the gold standard and issued new coin denominations. The 20-peso gold coin was first struck for circulation in 1917 and ran until 1921.

The obverse features the Seal of the United Mexican States: a golden eagle sitting on a cactus with a snake in its talon. This iconography refers to the Mexica (Aztec) people’s foundation myth of the city of Tenochtitlan (later Mexico City). A wreath of oak and olive branches wrap around the bottom of the design along with the name of the country and year of issue within a raised edged circle.

The reverse features a slightly off-set Aztec Sun Stone, commonly understood as a calendar of sorts and one of the most well-known works of Aztec art. Wrapping around the bottom of the stone is the coin’s denomination.

Image Courtesy: colnect.com