Handsome
brass and copper ashtray
featuring a nice collection
of 19 Mexican coins
dating from the mid-century:
1950’s - 1960’s.
A genuine vintage piece
celebrating over 70 years of age,
yet still glows with a pristine luster.
A))The featured larger center coin is a Bronze 1956 Cicuenta Centavos (“Fifty Cent”). The visible side of the coin depicts King Cuauhtemoc (the last Aztec emperor) facing left, with feather crown, the value above, and under the bust with 'o' to the right of 'M' next to the date. This exact design was only produced for 4 years, from 1955 - 1959.
B)) The rim consists of 12 beautifully set coins of the 20-Centavos denomination. These coins date from 1954 - 1967, and during that time the design changed slightly in 1955; which will be fun for the buyer to discover upon close inspection. The side facing up depicts the Mexican coat of arms with a legend at the top supported by a wreath with a beaded rim. The reverse of the coin displays the value “20” at the top with the radiant Liberty cap in between and the mintmark underneath, with the pyramid at the center motive along with landscape, consisting of the volcanoes Ixtaccihuatl and Popocatepetl in addition to many plants, with the value and date at the bottom. Teotihuacán (where the pyramid is located) written at the pyramid's base to the left.
C) The 3 legs plus 3 curved cigarette rests are brass Cinco Centavos (Five Cent coins) ranging from 1956 - 1967.
These 6 coins feature the Mexican National Arms (Eagle on cactus facing left with snake in beak above wreath), with the inscription forming a semicircle above it. The reverse shows Value, Portrait of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez (aka The Mother of Mexico’s Nationhood) to the right. This exact design was only produced between 1954 - 1969.
The entire ashtray measures approx. 5 inches in diameter and stands just over 1 1/2 inches tall.
Overall in excellent lightly-used condition, not mint. Minor time-worn scratches, as expected, for an item enjoyed (decoratively) for over 70 years.
I haven’t seen one I appreciate more, however. The workmanship is superior.
This item would make a unique addition to a collection of :
Currently in a smoke-free home.