Part II. Die Varieties:

Hidden initials and symbols

Definition: The unauthorized presence of initials or symbols tucked into a design. These are added to a working die or master die without the knowledge or approval of mint management. They are carved out or punched in by a mint engraver or other artisan. Several examples are known from Mexico, which has a long tradition of such clandestine flourishes. For example, some 1984 1 peso obverse working dies carry the tiny cursive letters “Ra” (for Rodolfo Alvarado or Rodolfo Alvarado Flores) within the collar of José Maria Morelos.

This 1974 bronze Mexico 20 centavos features a tiny engraver’s insignia “V̇” in one of the cactus pads on the reverse face. It was designed to resemble the triad of cactus spines that it replaced. The symbol is reportedly the initial of the engraver Ricardo Luna Vasco. Since this symbol seemingly appears on every 1974 20 centavos, Vasco would have altered the master die for this year. Vasco’s insignia reportedly appears on at least some working dies belonging to several other denominations, including the 10 centavos (1974 – 1976), 50 centavos (1975 – 1976), 1 peso (1974 – 1976), and 5 pesos (1974, 1976, 1977).

The working reverse die that struck this 1973 20 centavos has an inverted L and the back of a correctly-facing R hidden with the saguaro cacti. They are said to have been placed there by, or in honor of, the engraver Lorenzo Rafael.