Summary
A commemorative piece inspired by Chichén Itzá brings together the image of the Pyramid of Kukulkán and the sacred Mayan calendar. Although it resembles a coin, it is not legal tender. In contrast, Banco de México has issued official silver coins to honor Chichén Itzá, and new commemorative coins are already planned for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Context and Scope
This account covers everything documented about the piece, its design, the Mayan glyphs, the official Banco de México issues of 2012, Chichén Itzá’s recognition as a world wonder, and the upcoming FIFA 2026 coins. It also includes the differences between collectible souvenirs and official currency, along with values and details reported for silver coins.
Exhaustive Narrative of Facts
[INF-01] Description of the Piece with Chichén Itzá
The center shows the Pyramid of Kukulkán, also called El Castillo. Around it, the ring bears the words: “CHICHÉN ITZÁ MARAVILLA DEL MUNDO – PIRÁMIDE DE KUKULKÁN – YUCATÁN, MÉXICO.” The outer border features the 20 glyphs of the Mayan Tzolk’in calendar, each labeled with names such as Imix, Ik, Akbal, K’an, Chicchan, Cimi, Manik’, Lamat, Muluk, Ok, Chuwen, Eb, Ben, Ix, Men, Kib, Kab’an, Etz’nab, Kawak, and Ajaw.
[INF-02] Cultural Significance of Chichén Itzá and the Medal
Chichén Itzá, located in Yucatán, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. The design links Mayan architecture with the sophistication of their calendar, highlighting both cultural and scientific achievements.
[INF-03] Clarification of Non-Circulating Status
The piece does not show the National Coat of Arms of Mexico. It has no denomination in pesos such as $5, $10, or $20. It does not circulate as currency. Its purpose is commemorative or as a souvenir.
[INF-04] Banco de México Official Coin Collection of 2012
On July 9, 2012, Banco de México released a collection of silver coins. Each coin bears the number 070707 to mark July 7, 2007, when Chichén Itzá was named a New Wonder. They are struck in .999 silver.
– The 20 peso coin (5 ounces) shows the Pyramid of Kukulkán.
– The 10 peso coin (2 ounces) shows the Temple of the Warriors.
– Three 5 peso coins (1 ounce each) show Casa de las Monjas, La Iglesia, and El Observatorio.
All include the national emblem and denomination.
[INF-05] Price Figures for Official Chichén Itzá Coins
Sets of three one-ounce coins (Casa de las Monjas, La Iglesia, El Observatorio) have been offered for more than 14,500 pesos. Individual coins have appeared at prices between 2,700 and 8,500 pesos, depending on condition and demand.
[INF-06] Comparison Between the Medal and Official Coins
Official coins carry denominations, purity marks, the national emblem, and the 070707 date. They have a polished finish with precise details. The commemorative medal does not show a denomination, lacks the emblem, does not display 070707, and combines elements differently.
[INF-07] Assertion of World Cup Link
It was suggested that the medal was minted for the World Cup. The design, however, has no football imagery, no FIFA logo, and no player symbols. The inscriptions are dedicated entirely to Chichén Itzá. The claim was extended specifically to the 2026 World Cup, but the features do not match.
[INF-08] Official Announcement of FIFA 2026 Coins
Mexico approved nine commemorative coins for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
– Three gold coins of $25 pesos each, 7.776 grams (¼ troy ounce), about 23 mm, gold .999, with the national emblem on the obverse and a World Cup design on the reverse.
– Three silver coins of $10 pesos each, 31.103 grams (1 troy ounce), about 40 mm, silver .999, with the emblem and a World Cup design.
– Three bimetallic coins of $20 pesos each, about 30 mm, dodecagonal, with an alpaca center and bronze-aluminum ring, including security features, emblem, and World Cup design.
These are commemorative and intended for collectors rather than daily circulation.
[INF-09] Comparison Between FIFA 2026 Coins and the Medal
The 2026 coins will clearly display denominations, the national emblem, and World Cup themes, with strict specifications in gold, silver, or bimetallic materials. The medal with Mayan glyphs does not align with these requirements.
Practical Takeaways
– A souvenir medal with Chichén Itzá and Mayan glyphs exists but is not official currency.
– Banco de México issued official silver coins in 2012 to celebrate Chichén Itzá, all with denominations, purity, and the national emblem.
– The souvenir lacks denomination, the emblem, and the 070707 mark that authentic coins carry.
– Official Chichén Itzá coins have sold individually from 2,700 to 8,500 pesos, and sets of three for more than 14,500 pesos.
– Nine official coins will commemorate the FIFA World Cup 2026, in gold, silver, and bimetallic forms, each with football themes.
– The Chichén Itzá souvenir is not part of the FIFA 2026 series.
Sources
https://expansion.mx/economia/2012/07/08/banxico-celebra-a-chichen-itza?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.banxico.org.mx/marco-normativo/decretos-de-acunacion-de-monedas/%7BF61C9CB1-197B-230D-535C-13963A4412BF%7D.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://eleconomista.com.mx/arteseideas/Banxico-lanza-monedas-conmemorativas-de-Chichen-Itza–20120708-0075.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://tulumrealestate.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/bank-of-mexico-issues-silver-chichen-itza-coins-el-esplendor-de-chichen-itza-en-5-monedas/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://infobae.com/america/mexico/2021/11/13/tres-monedas-de-la-coleccion-chichen-itza-se-cotizan-juntas-en-mas-de-14500-pesos-por-internet/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://infobae.com/mexico/2025/06/19/mexico-lanzara-monedas-conmemorativas-del-mundial-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-06-18/el-banco-de-mexico-prepara-nueve-monedas-conmemorativas-para-el-mundial-de-2026.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/mexico/nota/_/id/14907112/mundial-2026-como-seran-monedas-conmemorativas-banco-de-mexico?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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