Mexico City, Mexico – A distinctive trend is sweeping across Mexico, as millions of citizens are choosing to collect the 50-peso banknote, largely driven by its unique design featuring the axolotl. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the Bank of Mexico, nearly 10 million people are now holding onto these polymer notes, transforming them into cherished collector's items rather than circulating currency. This widespread practice has significant economic implications, with an estimated US$26.4 million in 50-peso banknotes now being held in private collections, effectively removing them from the national economy. The note, which depicts an axolotl, an endemic salamander native to the Valley of Mexico, has captured the public's imagination. "This small 50-peso banknote, equivalent to about $2.60 US dollars, has become a collector's piece," stated Mario González, a CNN presenter, showcasing the purple-hued bill. He added that some collectors possess more than 20 of these notes. The axolotl's popularity extends beyond the banknote, with various merchandise featuring the creature readily available. The 50-peso note itself has received international acclaim, winning the prestigious Bank Note of the Year award in 2021 from the International Bank Note Society (IBNS), further solidifying its appeal. This phenomenon underscores a fascinating intersection of culture, numismatics, and economics in Mexico.
El billete de $50 pesos con el ajolote se ha convertido en un objeto de colección en México, con cerca de 10 millones de personas guardándolo por su …
