Mexican Libertad Silver Coins

Mexican Libertad Silver Coins at Provident Metals

Issued annually by the Mexican Mint is one of the most popular coin programs on the market today, the Mexican Libertad Silver Coin. The series has an intriguing history that includes many unique sizes and strikes. Learn more about the Mexican Libertad Silver Coin, right here at Provident Metals.

History of the Mexican Libertad Silver Coin

The oldest mint in the Americas is the Mexican Mint, which was established in 1535. It seems only appropriate that the oldest mint in the Americas is also home to the first annual-issue silver bullion coin in the world.

The Mexican Libertad Gold Coin debuted in 1981 and was followed by a silver coin the very next year. Initially, just a 1 oz coin was introduced. The 1 oz coin was released annually from 1982 to 1990. In each year, except for 1987, the mintage for this coin surpassed 1 million.

Fractional-ounce weights (1/20 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz) debuted in 1991. In 1996, larger sizes such as the 2 oz and 5 oz coins were released. In 2008, a 1 kilogram option was finally made available.

Coins have been issued annually every year since they were introduced. The lone exceptions are the 1/20 oz coin in 2012 and the 1 kilogram weight from 2013-2014.

Unlike most coin programs, these Mexican Libertad Silver Coins do not carry a face value. However, the silver content and purity are backed by the Banco de México.

Design

Since 1982, the subject matter of both the obverse and reverse have remained the same. However, the exact design has seen some alterations over time.

• Obverse: The obverse design features the Mexican coat of arms. The design includes a Mexican golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus. The eagle is seen holding a rattlesnake in its mouth and talons. An oak-and-laurel wreath is seen below the cactus while the lone inscription “Estados Unidos Mexicanos” is seen at the top. In 2000, the design was updated for the 1 oz, 2 oz, and 5 oz coins. This new design includes 10 historic versions of the design surrounding the center one. When the kilogram coin debuted, it debuted too with this new design.

• Reverse: The reverse side featured Winged Victory. From 1982 to 1995 she was displayed in front-facing relief holding broken chains in one hand and a wreath crown in the other. From 1996 on, the design was updated to now show a three-quarter side portrait with more visibility of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes in the background.

Other Unique Variations

BU Silver Coins in the series have been issued annually since 1982. However, the Mexican Mint also produces other unique strikes in the series, such as the following:

• Proof: These coins were first issued one year after the BU release. Just a 1 oz coin debuted in 1983, before taking a two-year break. In 1992, four fractional-ounce weights were added ranging from 1/20 oz to 1/2 oz. A 2 oz and a 5 oz coin were added in 1996. In 2002, a 1 kilogram proof-like coin made its debut. These coins have frosted design elements with a mirrored background.
• Reverse Proof: In 2017, the Mexican Mint debuted reverse proof strikes. They were initially made available in 3 unique sizes (1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz) and have been issued annually ever since. These coins have a frosted background with mirrored design elements.

Investing in Mexican Libertad Silver Coins at Provident Metals

Questions about these Mexican Libertad Silver Coins or others? Contact the Provident Metals customer service team today. We can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by giving us a call at 1-800-313-3315.