Mexican Money and the Symbolism Behind It
At first glance, Mexican coins may seem like standard currency—practical, durable, and proudly stamped with the national emblem. But a deeper look reveals something far more ancient and symbolic: elements drawn from the Piedra del Sol or (Aztec Sun Stone as it is referred to in English), one of the most iconic relics of pre-Hispanic Mexico. It is also one of the largest and unfortunately one of the last works of the Mexica people living in the center of Mexico. Research suggests that it was carved sometime between 1502 and 1521.
If you look closely at the 1-, 2-, 5- and 10-peso coins, you will see details from the Piedra del Sol (Aztec Sun Stone). It is a small detail that has been there all the time, but most people never notice it.
What is the Aztec Sun Stone?
The Aztec Sun Stone is a late post-classic Mexica sculpture housed in the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City. The stone is actually from the Mexica people, but why is it called the Aztec Sun Stone? The term Aztec is a general name of the peoples from all of the center of Mexico. The Mexica were the people that lived and ruled the area which is currently Mexico City. To illustrate, New Yorkers live in New York State, but they are also Americans. Americans is a general term for all peoples living in the geographic area of the United States.
The stone measures 3.6 metres (12 ft) in diameter and 98 centimeters (39 in) thick and weighs 24,590 kg (54,210 lb). In the photo below you can see the enormous round carved stone and how it is displayed in the museum.
A Brief History of the Aztec Sun Stone
Shortly after the Spanish conquest, the enormous sculpture was buried in the Zócalo, the main square of Mexico City (which was called Tenochtitlan in pre-Hispanic times). The stone was rediscovered on December 17th, 1790, during repairs on the Mexico City Cathedral. Following its rediscovery, the sun stone was mounted on an exterior wall of the cathedral, where it remained until 1885. On June 27th, 1964, the Aztec Sun Stone was moved to its current location in the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City.
What Does the Aztec Sun Stone Represent?
The Piedra del Sol (Aztec Sun Stone) is one of the most iconic and symbolically rich artifacts of ancient Mexico. Often misnamed the “Aztec calendar,” this massive stone is not just a timekeeping tool—it’s a cosmic diagram, a political symbol, and a philosophical statement about the universe, time, and Aztec identity. It also could have been a reminder of the creation of the world according to the Mexica peoples.
Now before you think, these people were a little crazy and believed in weird things, there are two things to take into account. One being, this is only an interpretation based on current knowledge of the people that made this nearly 500 years ago. Second, even Bible believing Christians believe in sacrifices, a great flood that destroyed the world, the river Nile was turned to blood, and God talked to Moses through a burning bush. While most things in the Bible are explained, we have much less information about the people that lived in area of Mexico in the past to come to conclusions about their beliefs. Much of the written history and other artifacts were destroyed by the Spanish.
What is thought to be the meaning of the carvings on the Aztec Sun Stone
In the center of the stone the face in the center represents Tonatiuh, the sun god, who demanded human sacrifice for survival. His tongue is a stone blade, symbolizing ritual sacrifice. His claws grip human hearts—again linking the sun’s power with offerings.
Around the center face are four squares representing past eras:
- Jaguar– devoured by jaguars
- Wind– destroyed by hurricanes
- Rain – fire rained from the sky
- Water – flooded, survivors turned to fish
These depict the Aztecs’ belief in cyclical time, with the current age being the Fifth Sun, destined to end by earthquakes.
The circle around the center of the Aztec Stone
A ring surrounding the center shows 20 glyphs, representing the days of the Aztec sacred calendar (Tonalpohualli).
The Second circles on the Aztec Sun Stone
Larger triangular rays point in four cardinal directions—suggesting the Aztec view of the cosmos.
The border of the Aztec Stone
Around the edge of the Aztec Sun Stone are serpents wrapping around the stone—Xiuhcoatl, the fire serpents, which frame the heavens and carry the sun across the sky.
How Coins Got Part of the Design of the Aztec Sun Stone
The Aztec Sun Stone’s image has appeared on Mexican coins throughout history, from the 1905 5-cent coin to the 1992 10-peso coin. Its image has been incorporated into various coins as a way to connect modern Mexico with its pre-Hispanic past. Currently the 1 peso, 2 pesos, 5 pesos and 10 pesos coin all feature parts of the Piedra del Sol. All of the current coins in Mexico are from 1992 when Mexico devalued its currency and made the new peso. In the past few decades, Mexico has been embracing its past as its identity and something that makes Mexico unique and special. This is just one example of how even the money has traces and reminders of the ancient past and historical accomplishments.
So how is the Aztec Sun Stone incorporated into the money in Mexico? Look at the photo below and see how each ring of this stone has been used on different coins. Then look at the coin photos to see the details.
The 10 Peso Coin
The center of the Aztec Sun Stone is featured on the 10-peso coin.
The Mexican Two Peso Coin
The 2-peso coin features glyphs of the 20 days of the sacred Aztec calendar. There are only 10 shown on the coin, most likely because to have all 20 would make it too small to see.
The Mexican 1 Peso Coin
The 1 Peso coin features the rays of the sun and the four cardinal points.
The 5 Pesos Coin
The 5-peso coin has the border of the Aztec Sun stone on it. This represents the fire serpents, which frame the heavens and carry the sun across the sky.
Conclusion
That is just a little example how Mexico connects to its past. The rich history of all the peoples of Mexico is now in everyone’s pocket. The past few decades Mexico has been reconnecting with the pre-Hispanic past and realizing that celebrating the culture is a way to create pride. Come explore Mexico and all it has to offer. Mexico is like a living museum in many ways. Even though the Riviera Maya is a modern tourist destination, there are Mayan ruins and places within a daytrip’s reach to explore.
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