How gold is priced in Mexico
In Mexico bullion gold is quoted in pesos per troy ounce and through the Banco de México coins — above all the Centenario, which holds 37.5 g of pure gold — while jewellery is sold per gram, mostly in 10K, 14K and 18K. The figures here are international spot gold converted at today's USD/MXN rate, before IVA where it applies and before bank or dealer spreads.
IVA: coins and bars exempt, jewellery 16%
Article 9 of the Ley del IVA exempts the sale of gold pieces that have been currency and pieces called onza troy — which covers the Centenario and the gold Libertad — and the retail sale of gold ingots of at least 99% purity. Gold and jewellery of at least 80% gold sold other than at retail is taxed at 0%. Jewellery sold at retail pays the general 16% IVA.
Centenarios, Libertads and bank prices
The 50-peso Centenario weighs 41.67 g of .900 gold and contains 37.5 g of pure gold; the smaller coins of the same family (20, 10, 5, 2½ and 2 pesos) are also .900. The gold Libertad is .999 fine, from 1/20 oz to 1 oz, and like the Centenario has no face value but is legal tender. The Banco de México authorises distributors, and banks publish daily venta (selling) and compra (buy-back) prices that follow the international price and the peso. The Casa de Moneda de México also sells directly, against bank transfer.
Karats and marking (NOM-033)
Under standard NOM-033-1-SE-2020, only articles of at least 10 karats may be sold as gold, with a tolerance of 3 thousandths. Pieces must be stamped with the karat (e.g. "14K"), a registered maker or importer mark and the country of origin, such as "MX", and shops must display a notice of the karat-to-thousandths equivalence. 10K and 14K are the most common jewellery grades in Mexico.
Tax and duty information last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your dealer or tax authority before a large purchase.