Doug H. writes: I have a coin from Mexico dated 1989 with a picture of JUANA DE ASBAJE and $1000. I am assuming that it means peso but what if any US value does it have? Thank you.
Mexico uses a similar sign for pesos as the U.S. uses for dollars (the calderon). See: The story behind the $ symbol.
The 1000 Peso of Mexico features the bust of Juana de Asbaje. Unfortunately, in the late 1980’s and early 90’s, Mexico was going through a period of hyper-inflation and 1000 Pesos wasn’t much money. When the system was reformed they simply removed 3 zeros, therefore the 1989 1000 Pesos is equal to 1 current Peso or approximately 10 cents U.S.
Juana de Asbaje was born Juana Inés de Asbaje y RamÃrez de Santillana in San Miguel Nepantla (now called Nepantla de Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz in her honor) near Mexico City. She was a extraordinary child prodigy and became a widely respected composer and writer in the Baroque era who questioned the role of women during that time.
