These are the last coins of this denomination coined at Culiacan, which would close in 1905. In 1905, too—although old style coins would continue for part of the year—the issuing authority of Mexican coins would change from “REPUBLICA MEXICANA” to “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS.”
The composition of the 20-centavo would soon change, declining to .800 silver, with a reduction in weight from the 5.41g of this 1904CnH 20-centavo to the 5.00g of 1905. (The new types would, of course, result from a coinage reform that included a substantial reduction in the peso’s gold content.)
The interplay between the 20- and 25-cent/centavo denominations in North America has been a welter of crisscrossing historical traditions, public and governmental perceptions, needs and attitudes. Mexico’s 20-centavo, although authorized in 1892, remained uncoined until it began to replace the 25-centavo in 1898. When it did finally appear, however, it took immediate root, and two later attempts to reestablish the 25-centavo coin (in 1950-53 and 1964-66) were unsuccessful.
Today, although it rarely circulates, the 20-centavo remains Mexico’s choice.
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