MEXICO

BI-METAL COINS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNUSUAL WOODEN COIN/TOKEN OF MEXICO

This wooden Hacienda token was issued by the Trancoso Hacienda in the 19th century.  The Trancoso was one of the largest and most important haciendas in Zacatecas state of Mexico. It was founded with Spanish land grants between 1670 and 1680 as a cattle ranch.  It covered over 55 square miles (145 sq.km.).  In the 19th century it became one of the largest wool exporters in Latin America. Like many haciendas of that era it a was engaged in wide range enterprises including growing grain, animal husbandry, a distillery and a church.  It fell on hard times after the 1910-1920 Mexican Revolution, resulting in violent conflicts between the owners and peasants. Eventually the land was expropriated and much of it given to families who lived on the Hacienda. Today the municipality of Trancoso oversees what was the hacienda. The church and the grand buildings that were part of the hacienda still stand, though many have been vandalized in recent years. Most hacienda tokens are metal. This unusual piece was made of Mesquite wood. It is about 26 to 28mm. One side is branded with Trancoso Hacienda's brand, the other side is blank. As was common for Hacienda tokens, it was denominated for a unit of work. This was for sheering one sheep.  Like many hacienda tokens, it circulated as money in the area.  It is an unusual and historic piece of money.

SILVER COINS

 

OTHER COINS