This is an interesting series of modern coins from Mexico. That is Maria Josefa Crescencia Ortiz Tellez-Giron pictured on the obverse (front) of the coin. She was instrumental in the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in the early 19th century. From 1942 to 1955 Josefa was facing left on the 5 centavos. Starting in 1950, Josefa faced right. This page applies to right-facing Josefa.

All these coins, both left- and right-facing, are modern coins made of non-precious metal (bronze and brass), so their value is low. Typical catalog values for coins like the picture here are:

worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: less than $1
well preserved: $1
fully uncirculated: $4

But, there are a few *good dates* in this series which are worth more. See this CoinQuest page for information on the good date of 1942 for left-facing coins.

For right-facing coins, 1954 is the good date. (Note: coins dated 1954 with a left-facing Josefa are worth very little.)

5 CENTAVOS DATED 1954 WITH RIGHT-FACING JOSEFA
worn: $5 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $10
well preserved: $50
fully uncirculated: $350

Refer to our Important Terminology page to properly interpret these catalog values.