1 kilo Mexican Silver Libertad Coins (BU & Proof)
1 Kilo Mexican Silver Libertads
The 1 kilo Silver Libertad is a popular bullion coin produced by the Mexican Mint, also known as Casa de Moneda de México. The Silver Libertad series was first introduced in 1982 and has gained worldwide recognition among investors and collectors alike.
Key features of the 1 kilo Silver Libertad:
- Design: The obverse of the coin features the Winged Victory statue, also known as the Angel of Independence, which is a prominent symbol in Mexico City. The reverse side showcases the Mexican coat of arms, including the eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent in its beak.
- Pure Silver Content: The 1 kilo Silver Libertad coin is made of .999 fine silver, indicating that it contains 99.9% pure silver. With a weight of 1 kilogram (32.15 troy ounces), it offers a substantial amount of silver in a single coin.
- Legal Tender: The Silver Libertad is considered legal tender in Mexico with a face value denominated in Mexican pesos. However, due to the significantly higher intrinsic value of the silver content, the coin's worth is primarily derived from its bullion value rather than its face value.
- Limited Mintage: The Mexican Mint releases the 1 kilo Silver Libertad coins in limited quantities each year, adding to their desirability and potential collectible value. The specific mintage numbers can vary from year to year, making some editions scarcer and potentially more sought after.
- Investment and Collection: The 1 kilo Silver Libertad appeals to both investors and collectors. Investors are attracted to the coin for its silver content and the potential for price appreciation in the precious metals market. Collectors appreciate the design, limited mintage, and the overall history associated with the Silver Libertad series.
- Packaging: The 1 kilo Silver Libertad coins are typically individually packaged in protective plastic capsules to preserve their condition and prevent damage. This ensures that the coin maintains its luster and minimizes the risk of scratches or tarnishing.
It's worth noting that silver prices are subject to market fluctuations, and the value of the 1 kilo Silver Libertad coin will vary based on the current spot price of silver, its condition, and its rarity.
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 this beautiful silver 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 history of the Mexican Mint, also known as Casa de Moneda de México, dates back to the colonial era of Mexico. The establishment of the Mexican Mint can be traced back to 1535 when the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés ordered the construction of the first mint in Mexico City. The purpose of the mint was to produce coins from the vast amounts of silver discovered in the region. During the Spanish colonial period, the Mexican Mint became a significant center for minting coins not only for Mexico but also for other Spanish territories in the Americas. It played a crucial role in the global silver trade, as Mexico was a major silver-producing region. The Mexican Mint's reputation for quality coinage grew, and its coins were widely circulated and accepted.
Over the years, the Mexican Mint underwent several modernization efforts to keep up with evolving minting techniques and technologies. In the late 19th century, steam-powered machinery was introduced, significantly improving the mint's production capacity. Subsequent advancements, such as the adoption of coin presses and new minting processes, further enhanced efficiency and quality.
In addition to producing circulating coins, the Mexican Mint has also been involved in the production of commemorative and bullion coins. The mint has released numerous numismatic collections and series, including the popular Silver Libertad and Gold Libertad coins, which showcase Mexico's rich history, culture, and iconic symbols. The Silver Libertad is one of the most sought after silver bullion coins for investors around the world.
Today, the Mexican Mint continues to operate as a government-owned institution responsible for producing Mexico's legal tender coins and commemorative issues. It maintains its status as one of the oldest mints in the Americas, with a legacy spanning several centuries. To explore more Mexican coins, visit our silver and gold Mexican coinage collections.
