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Silver Libertad coins are  Mexican silver bullion coins.   Mexico is known for producing some of the largest silver coins in the world, which is highlighted by the Libertad. The coins are struck in pure 99.9% fine silver and are available in a variety of sizes, although they were initially launched in just 1 oz. That changed in 1991 when coins of 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, and 1/20 oz sizes were added. 2 oz and 5 oz size was added in 1996. The latest addition was 1 kilogram size in 2002.      

Design

The design features, the Independence Angel against a backdrop of the “Lovers’ Peaks” twin volcanoes, Iztacc’huatl and Popocat’ptl. The volcanoes symbolize a prince and princess from two different Indian tribes, who fell in love but were later exiled. Also featured in the design are the fineness and amount of silver, the date, and the name of the issuing country, ‘Mexico’.  The center of the coin on the obverse features an eagle perched on a cactus holding a snake in its beak, surrounded by a wreath and the words ‘Estados Unidos Mexicanos’. Laid out around the circumference are different versions of this emblem.   

Minted by the Mexican Mint, the Mexican Libertad Onza became the first silver bullion coin to be minted in one ounce sizes. Originally called Onza, these Libertad Onza coins are legal tender, although no face value is displayed. The reverse image of the Angel of Independence is based loosely after the 50 Peso’s Winged Liberty.  

Obverse Design       

The obverse or heads side of the coin features an eagle battling a snake (Mexico’s national coat of arms), which is surrounded by a wreath and the words “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS”. Encircling the center are ten eagle designs that have been used as National Emblems through the centuries, including one depicted in the 16th century Mendocino Codex.         

Libertad_Obverse

Reverse Design     Since 1996, the reverse or tails side of the coin features the famed winged angel design. The angel towers above a background of the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl.
Inscription surrounding the top include the numerical size following by “ONZA” for “ounce”, then “PLATA PURA” for “pure silver”, the year of issue, “LEY” and “.999″.       

Libertad_Reverse

General Coin Information

Mexican Libertad Silver Bullion Coins are struck annually for investors and collectors and were first minted in 1982. A beautiful winged angel design has been portrayed on the coin since its inception, but a re-design occurred in 1996 to “make it more attractive,” the Mexican Mint said. That design, which is still used today, depicts the spectacular Angel of Independence — an eight ton golden statue on top of a tall slender column in Mexico City.  The Mexican Libertad Silver Coin is Mexico’s treasure coin and is minted at Casa de Moneda de Mexico, which was established in 1536 and is the oldest mint in North America. These magnificent coins are struck in .999 fine silver and the proof editions are struck in very small quantities.  The one-ounce Libertad Silver Coin is deservedly popular with collectors and investors alike.       

ArminVoigt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Via ProBlogPartners™       

 References: 

• Information about Libertad Silver Series at Banco de México’s Web Page.
• worldmintcoins.com