Mexican Silver Libertads

Mexican Silver Libertads at BGASC

The Mexican Silver Libertad is issued annually by the Mexican Mint and is one of the world’s most popular silver bullion coins. The series has a long history full of different designs, sizes, and strikes of this intriguing Silver Coin. Learn more about Mexican Silver Libertads, right here at BGASC.

Series Background

The Mexican Mint was founded in 1535 and is the oldest mint in the Americas. This is parlayed with the fact that the Mexican Silver Libertad is also the first annual-issue silver bullion coin in the world. While the South African Gold Krugerrand debuted in 1967 and was followed by the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf in 1979, the Mexican Silver Libertad was the first silver bullion coin to be introduced to investors.

The Mexican Gold Libertad debuted in 1981 and was followed the next year by the Mexican Silver Libertad. From 1982 to 1990, the Mexican Mint only issued these coins in a 1 Troy oz weight. The mintage for this coin surpassed 1 million in every year except for 1987.

In 1991, fractional ounce weights such as 1/20 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/2 oz were introduced. In 1996, a 2 oz and 5 oz options were made available. Finally, in 2008, a 1 kilogram weight debuted. These coins have been issued every year since they were introduced, with the lone exceptions being the 1/20 oz in 2012, and the 1 kilogram coin in 2013-2014.

Unlike most coins, the Mexican Silver Libertad does not have a face value. However, their silver content and purity are backed by Banco de México.

Design

While the same design elements have been featured every year since 1982, different specific designs have been used throughout the years.

From 1982 to 1999 the obverse design featured the Mexican coat of arms. This image shows a Mexican golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus while holding a rattlesnake in its mouth and talons. Below this image is an oak-and-laurel wreath, while the inscription “Estados Unidos Mexicanos” is inscribed above it. In 2000, the design was altered to include 10 historic versions of the design surrounding the modern one. However, this change was only made to the 1 oz, 2 oz, and 5 oz coins. When the 1 kilogram option debuted, this new design was featured as well.

Winged Victory has always been depicted on the reverse side. From 1982 to 1995, she was seen in front-facing relief, holding broken chains in one hand and a wreath crown in the other. In 1996, the design was updated to now feature a three-quarter side portrait with more visibility of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes in the background. This depiction is based on the statue of Winged Victory located at the top of the Mexican Independence Victory Column.

Different Strikes Available

These coins have been issued as BU coins every year since 1982. However, proof and reverse proof strikes are also available.

• Proof Mexican Silver Libertad: The Mexican Mint started issuing proof strikes in the series, one year after the silver bullion release. Similar to the BU coins, just a 1 oz coin was introduced. No proof strikes were issued in 1984-1985 but returned in 1986. In 1992, four fractional ounce weights (1/20 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz) debuted. In 1996, two more weight options were added (2 oz, 5 oz). In 2002, a 1 kilogram option made its debut. Notably, the 1 kilogram option isn’t a traditional proof strike, instead, it’s a proof-like coin
• Reverse Proof Mexican Silver Libertad: In 2017, the Mexican Mint introduced a reverse proof strike in the 1 oz, 2 oz, and 5 oz weights. These have been issued annually ever since.

Investing in Mexican Silver Libertads at BGASC

Questions regarding these Mexican Silver Libertads? Contact the BGASC customer service team today. Our dedicated team can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by giving us a call at 888-992-4272.