The "small type" designation distinguishes this issue from the larger-format 20 centavos that preceded it — Banco de México reduced the module in 2009 as part of a broader rationalization of the circulating coin series, partly to reduce production costs as metal prices climbed. Stainless steel had already replaced aluminum bronze in the earlier type, so the reformulation here was purely dimensional.
At 15.3 mm, this is among the smallest coins in modern Mexican circulation, which contributed to chronic vending machine incompatibility complaints throughout its production run.
The "small type" designation distinguishes this issue from the larger-format 20 centavos that preceded it — Banco de México reduced the module in 2009 as part of a broader rationalization of the circulating coin series, partly to reduce production costs as metal prices climbed. Stainless steel had already replaced aluminum bronze in the earlier type, so the reformulation here was purely dimensional.
At 15.3 mm, this is among the smallest coins in modern Mexican circulation, which contributed to chronic vending machine incompatibility complaints throughout its production run.