5 oz Mexican Silver Libertad Coins (BU & Proof)
5 oz Mexican Silver Libertads
The 5 oz Silver Mexican Libertad is .999 fine silver and is one of the most beautiful silver coins in the world. Each year of release has varying mintages, typically much lower than other bullion counterparts, which adds to the collectibility of the Libertad series. APMEX has two exclusive labels with the most prestigious grading companies in the industry. The coat of arms label is an APMEXclusive® with NGS, while the green label is an APMEXclusive® with PCGS. The coat of arms label originated in 2019. The green label debuted in 2016 for gold and 2017 for silver.
Investors looking to purchase silver at the 5 oz size but in other formats should consider our 5 oz silver bar selection. These tend to offer lower premiums than coins as many aren't produced by government mints, and the designs are typically simpler.
Mexican Silver Libertad Design
The Mexican Silver Libertad coins have featured the same design elements on the obverse and reverse since 1982. When the series was introduced in 1982, the Mexican Mint used designs from the Gold Centenario coin from 1921. The obverse of the coins featured the modern coat of arms of Mexico from 1982 to 1999. This design includes a Mexican golden eagle in left-profile relief with its talons and beak holding a rattlesnake as the bird sits perched on a prickly pear cactus. Coins produced from 1982 to 1995 show the old angel design.
The original depiction of Winged Victory appeared on the reverse of the Mexican Silver Libertad in 1982. The design portrayed her figure in front-facing relief. She held up a wreath crown in her right hand with broken chains in her left hand. There is a notched edge design element with the mountains of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl in the background field. In 1996, a new design was released featuring a new portrayal of Winged Victory. The design featured the statue at the top of the Mexican Independence Victory Column, but now featured her image from a three-quarter side portrait instead with greater visibility of the mountains in the background field.
The obverse of the coin features Mexico's coat of arms, with the design updating in 2000 to also picture the historical coat of arms of Mexico. The reverse of the beautiful coin tells the legend of two star-crossed lovers, princess Iztaccíhuatl and warrior Popocatépetl, turned into volcanoes by the Aztec gods, so they can finally be together. The angel of Victory depicted on the reverse was changed in 1996 to show a three-quarter side profile.
History of the Mexican Mint
The Mexican Mint, also known as La Casa de Moneda de México, has a rich and intriguing history dating back to the colonial era. Its origins can be traced to the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century when the Spanish Crown established the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Under Spanish rule, the need for a mint in Mexico arose to facilitate the coinage of precious metals, particularly silver, which was abundant in the region.
Throughout its early history, the Mexican Mint faced various challenges, including attempts to counterfeit its coins and issues related to the quality and purity of the silver. To combat these problems, the mint introduced various security measures, such as intricate designs and edge markings, to ensure the authenticity and value of its coins.
As Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the Mexican Mint underwent significant changes. In 1825, it was officially designated as the national mint of the newly formed Republic of Mexico. This transition marked a shift towards producing coins that reflected Mexico's sovereignty and national identity. The mint began to incorporate national symbols, such as the Mexican coat of arms and imagery depicting important historical events, into its coin designs.
Over the years, the Mexican Mint expanded its operations and established additional mint facilities in cities like Guanajuato and San Luis Potosí. It continued to play a crucial role in producing currency, especially during times of economic instability and political change. The mint's reputation for producing high-quality coins made it a trusted institution not only in Mexico but also internationally.
In the modern era, the Mexican Mint has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the country. It has expanded its product range to include commemorative coins, bullion coins, and collectible items that cater to both domestic and international markets according to the live spot prices. Today, the Mexican Mint stands as one of the oldest mints in the Americas, known for its rich heritage, skilled craftsmanship, and contributions to Mexico's numismatic legacy.
If investing in Silver Libertads is part of your strategy, shop the most popular silver coins for investments today.
