Saturday, January 28, 2006

Mexican Silver Coins

Although the Aztec Empire was well known for it's gold, Mexico, also known as New Spain until the early 1800s, produced some of the most popular Mexican silver coins in use today.

Mexico also issues some of the largest silver coins in the world. The silver Libertad, for example ranges from one twentieth of an ounce up to 1 kilo of silver in weight. Banco de Mexico struck 1 kilogram pure silver Libertads in a limited edition of 1,100 Prooflike Brilliant Uncirculated coins, but these were not offered in the United States. However, since the second year of issue 2003, dated kilo Libertads are now available, only 3,000 Prooflike Brilliant Uncirculated coins will be produced

In 1996 the Winged Angel design was introduced and is based upon the Angel of Independence, an eight ton golden statue atop a tall slender column in Mexico City. The reverse of the kilo Libertad features the official state seal of Mexico surrounded by ten eagle designs that have been used through the centuries, including one depicted in the 16th century Mendocino Codex.

Mexican silver coins make great collections and a good collection can be an excellent future investment.

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