636) Mexican Libertad Gold and Silver Bullion coins: 2017 issues include Gold and Silver Kilo coins in extremely limited mintage, celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Kilo coin issues by "La Casa de Moneda de Mexico" (Mint of Mexico):
Libertad coins are gold and silver bullion coins, which are sold in 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 Troy Ounce weights for both gold and silver coins. For the last 15 years, this coin has also been minted in one Kilo gold weights.
These bullion coins have a metal composition of .999 fine Silver (Ag) or .999 fine Gold (Au). These coins are valued for their beautiful classic designs as well as their Gold and Silver content.
The one Kilo Silver gold coin issued in 2017 placed against the background of the first page representation of the Codex Mendoza.
A representation of the first page of the Codex Mendoza
The Codex Mendoza is an Aztec Code created 15 years after the 1521 Spanish conquest of Mexico, with the intent that it be seen by Charles , the Holy Roman Emperor and the King of Spain. It contains the history of the Aztec Kings and their conquests, a list of the tribute paid by the conquered, and a description of daily Aztec life in traditional Aztec pictograms with Spanish explanations and commentary. The Codex was named after the Spanish Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza who commissioned the Codex.
The Codex Mendoza is an Aztec Code created 15 years after the 1521 Spanish conquest of Mexico, with the intent that it be seen by Charles , the Holy Roman Emperor and the King of Spain. It contains the history of the Aztec Kings and their conquests, a list of the tribute paid by the conquered, and a description of daily Aztec life in traditional Aztec pictograms with Spanish explanations and commentary. The Codex was named after the Spanish Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza who commissioned the Codex.
The Reverse of this coin has traditionally had the image of the winged Victoria of the Mexican Independence Victory Column in front of a landscape showing the two famous volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The purity and weight of the Silver or Gold, the year of issue and the fineness of the metal used are imprinted (generally in Spanish) on the outer edge of this face.
On the Obverse of the coin is depicted the Coat of Arms of Mexico which shows a Golden Eagle perched on a cactus, with a serpent (rattlesnake) in its beak.
On the Obverse of the coin is depicted the Coat of Arms of Mexico which shows a Golden Eagle perched on a cactus, with a serpent (rattlesnake) in its beak.
The original design of the Libertad was patterned on the Mexican "Centenario" Gold Coin (The "Centenario" is a Mexican Gold bullion coin which was first minted in 1921 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Mexico's Independence from Spain.
The recent versions of the Libertad depict the Winged Victoria from another angle and the other side depicts the Coat of Arms of Mexico in the centre, surrounded by historical Mexican Coat of Arms of the ten Unites States of Mexico (USM).
The Mexican Libertad is an internationally acclaimed series brought out by the Mint of Mexico. The Libertad pre-dates most other popular modern bullion coins with only a few exceptions, such as - the Canadian Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand.
The Gold Coin variants of the Libertad were first introduced by the Mexican Mint in 1981, followed by a 1 Troy Ounce Silver Coin minted in 1982. Interestingly, these coins were minted in limited numbers and are highly sought after collector items.
Winged Victoria: Victoria in ancient Roman religion was the personified goddess of victory and is the equivalent of the Greek Goddess Nike, associated with Bellona. She was adapted from the Sabine Agricultural goddess Vacuna and had a temple dedicated to her on the Palantine Hill, which is the centre-most of the Seven-Hills of Rome, apart from several other temples built in her honour.
Victoria was a symbol of victory over death and determined who would be successful during war. She was worshipped by triumphant generals returning from war.
Victoria was a symbol of victory over death and determined who would be successful during war. She was worshipped by triumphant generals returning from war.
Victoria was often depicted on Roman coins, jewellery, architecture and pieces of art, seen in a chariot or a "quadriga" (a four horse driven chariot).
Mexican Independence Victory Column:
The "Angel of Independence" most commonly known as "El Angel", officially known as "Monumento a la Independencia" (meaning "Monument of Independence") is a victory column on a round-about on the major thoroughfare of "Paseo de la Reforma" in Mexico City.
It was built in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence. Later, it was converted into a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war.
The base of the column is quadrangular with each vertex featuring a bronze sculpture symbolising law, war, justice and peace. The column stands 148 feet tall. Crowning the column is a 6.7 metres (22 feet approx.) statue of Victoria. It is made of bronze, covered with 24 Karat gold and weighs 7 tonnes. In her right hand, the Angel holds a laurel crown symbolising victory, while in her left hand she holds a broken chain symbolising freedom.
The statue of Victoria above the Victory Column
Popocatepetl:
This is an active stratovolcano, located in the states of Puebla, Mexico and Morelos in Central Mexico which lies in the Eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. At 5,426 metres (or 17,802 feet) it is the second highest peak in Mexico, after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba) which stands at 5,636 metres (or 18,491 feet).
Popocatepetl is linked to the Iztaccihuatl volcano to the North by the high saddle known as the Paso de Cortes.
Iztaccihuatl:
This is a dormant volcanic mountain in Mexico located on the border between the State of Mexico and Puebla. It is the third highest peak in Mexico standing at 5,230 metres (or 17,160 feet). The name "Iztaccihuatl" in Nahuati means "White Woman", reflecting the four individual snow-capped peaks which depict the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female when seen from East to West.
Iztaccihuatl lies to the North of Popocatepetl, to which it is connected by the Paso de Cortes.
These two volcanoes together tell a story of two lovers from warring families similar to Romeo anf Juliet - The volcanoes represent the warrior Iztaccihuatl mourning the death of his beloved Popocatepetl.
About the Mint of Mexico:
The Mint of Mexico (La Casa de Moneda de Mexico) is the National Mint of Mexico. It was established in 1535 during the period of the Spanish Viceroyalty, with permission being granted from the Spanish Crown. This is the oldest Mint in the American Continents.
Interestingly, Peso coins made at this mint were widely circulated to Asia, including China and Japan and the rest of the Americas.
Popocatepetl:
This is an active stratovolcano, located in the states of Puebla, Mexico and Morelos in Central Mexico which lies in the Eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. At 5,426 metres (or 17,802 feet) it is the second highest peak in Mexico, after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba) which stands at 5,636 metres (or 18,491 feet).
Popocatepetl is linked to the Iztaccihuatl volcano to the North by the high saddle known as the Paso de Cortes.
Iztaccihuatl:
This is a dormant volcanic mountain in Mexico located on the border between the State of Mexico and Puebla. It is the third highest peak in Mexico standing at 5,230 metres (or 17,160 feet). The name "Iztaccihuatl" in Nahuati means "White Woman", reflecting the four individual snow-capped peaks which depict the head, chest, knees and feet of a sleeping female when seen from East to West.
Iztaccihuatl lies to the North of Popocatepetl, to which it is connected by the Paso de Cortes.
These two volcanoes together tell a story of two lovers from warring families similar to Romeo anf Juliet - The volcanoes represent the warrior Iztaccihuatl mourning the death of his beloved Popocatepetl.
About the Mint of Mexico:
The Mint of Mexico (La Casa de Moneda de Mexico) is the National Mint of Mexico. It was established in 1535 during the period of the Spanish Viceroyalty, with permission being granted from the Spanish Crown. This is the oldest Mint in the American Continents.
Interestingly, Peso coins made at this mint were widely circulated to Asia, including China and Japan and the rest of the Americas.
The latest Silver Libertad bullion coins issued by the Mint of Mexico:
The 2017 Silver Libertad is a Mexican .999 fine Silver Bullion coin which is available in a range of more than a half dozen sizes, including fractional issues. As mentioned earlier, the Mexican Libertad has been minted since 1981 (it was only once offered as a Platinum Proof coin). The one-ounce Silver Libertad was first struck in 1982 and since 1991, it has been minted in an array of other sizes.
The 2017 Silver Libertads have been minted in the usual variety of sizes, including - 1/20 Ounce, 1/10 Ounce, 1/4 Ounce, 1/2 Ounce, 1 Ounce, 2 Ounce, and 5 Ounce pieces/coins.
An interesting variation of the 2017 Silver Libertad issue is a coin of one kilogram weight which is of Brilliant Uncirculated coin quality.
The Obverse of a one Ounce (1 Onza - in Spanish) Silver Libertad coin issued in 2017
The Obverse of the 2017 Silver Libertads feature Mexico's National Coat of Arms, which depicts a Mexican Eagle perched on a cactus with a snake writhing in its beak. The Coat of Arms is contained within a circular design element, with the bottom half of the circular border composed of a wreath and the top half indicated by the legend "ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS" (meaning "MEXICAN UNITED STATES" or "UNITED STATES OF MEXICO").
Surrounding the central feature are ten smaller versions of the National Seal/Coat of Arms, all featuring the Mexican Eagle in various symbolic poses representing the 10 United States of Mexico (USM).
The Reverse of the one Ounce Silver Libertad coin issued in 2017
On the Reverse of the 2017 Silver Libertads, the statue of the winged goddess Victoria is in the centre. The Reverse side depiction, even though it shows neither the urban jungle of Mexico City nor depicts the laurel crown/wreath and the broken chain seen on the iconic statue, is nevertheless rooted in realism.
Victoria's engraving on the coin is strikingly similar to the physical pose as she holds on the statue and the peaks of the two volcanoes - Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, rising less than 50 miles South-east of the famous statue are rather similar to the actual peaks and which can be seen on clear days from Mexico City.
Across the top half of the Reverse face along the periphery is inscribed "1 ONZA PLATA PURA 2017 LEY .999" (meaning "1 OUNCE PURE SILVER .999 FINE"). The "La Casa Moneda de Mexico" or "Mint of Mexico's" mintmark "oM" (a small "o" on top of a larger, capital "M") is seen in the upper-right quadrant of the Reverse field.
The specifications of these coins are:
Denomination: 1/20 Ounce, 1/10 Ounce, 1/4 Ounce, 1/2 Ounce, 1 Ounce, 2 Ounces, 5 Ounces; Mint: Mint of Mexico; Mintmark: "oM"; Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Au); Weight: 31.1 grams; Diameter/Size: 40.0 mm; Edge: Reeded; Coin Quality: Business Strike, Proof, Special Finish, Brilliant Uncirculated; Year of Issue: 2017
One Kilo Silver Libertad:
In 2017, the One Kilo Silver Libertad coin is in its 15th year of issue. To celebrate the occasion, the Bank of Mexico has released a high-relief Kilo Libertad with a special beautiful wood-case and a statue of the Winged Angel of Liberty that sits on top of it.
The Obverse of the one Kilo Coin presents the Mexican National Seal/Emblem, with an eagle sitting atop a cactus surrounded by symbols representing Mexico's 10 Provinces.
The mintage of this Brilliant Uncirculated coin is 200 pieces only, the lowest ever mintage for a Kilo coin.
On the other hand, the Proof-like Libertad Kilo coin released earlier this year come with a mintage of 500 pieces.
The high relief 1 Kilo coin comes in this special wooden case with a statue of Victoria perched on top of it
The specifications of this coin are:
Denomination: 1 Kilo; Metal content: 32.15 Troy Ounce (Oz); Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Au); Diameter/Size: 110.0 mm; Thickness: 11.5 mm; Mint: "La Casa Moneda de Mexico" (Mint of Mexico); Mintmark: "oM"; Mintage: 200 pieces; Year of Issue :2017.
Gold Libertad coins:
The Obverse of a 1 Oz (One Ounce) Gold Coin variant shows similar features as the Silver Bullion coins
The Reverse of a 1 Oz Gold Coin variant issued in 2016 exhibits all the features as the Silver Bullion coin. The peripheral Inscription reads in Spanish - "1 ONZA ORO PURO 2016 LEY .999" and bears the Mint of Mexico's Mint mark "oM".
Links to some other interesting posts on South American countries and Mexico:
The 2017 Silver Libertad is a Mexican .999 fine Silver Bullion coin which is available in a range of more than a half dozen sizes, including fractional issues. As mentioned earlier, the Mexican Libertad has been minted since 1981 (it was only once offered as a Platinum Proof coin). The one-ounce Silver Libertad was first struck in 1982 and since 1991, it has been minted in an array of other sizes.
The 2017 Silver Libertads have been minted in the usual variety of sizes, including - 1/20 Ounce, 1/10 Ounce, 1/4 Ounce, 1/2 Ounce, 1 Ounce, 2 Ounce, and 5 Ounce pieces/coins.
An interesting variation of the 2017 Silver Libertad issue is a coin of one kilogram weight which is of Brilliant Uncirculated coin quality.
The Obverse of the 2017 Silver Libertads feature Mexico's National Coat of Arms, which depicts a Mexican Eagle perched on a cactus with a snake writhing in its beak. The Coat of Arms is contained within a circular design element, with the bottom half of the circular border composed of a wreath and the top half indicated by the legend "ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS" (meaning "MEXICAN UNITED STATES" or "UNITED STATES OF MEXICO").
Surrounding the central feature are ten smaller versions of the National Seal/Coat of Arms, all featuring the Mexican Eagle in various symbolic poses representing the 10 United States of Mexico (USM).
On the Reverse of the 2017 Silver Libertads, the statue of the winged goddess Victoria is in the centre. The Reverse side depiction, even though it shows neither the urban jungle of Mexico City nor depicts the laurel crown/wreath and the broken chain seen on the iconic statue, is nevertheless rooted in realism.
Victoria's engraving on the coin is strikingly similar to the physical pose as she holds on the statue and the peaks of the two volcanoes - Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, rising less than 50 miles South-east of the famous statue are rather similar to the actual peaks and which can be seen on clear days from Mexico City.
Across the top half of the Reverse face along the periphery is inscribed "1 ONZA PLATA PURA 2017 LEY .999" (meaning "1 OUNCE PURE SILVER .999 FINE"). The "La Casa Moneda de Mexico" or "Mint of Mexico's" mintmark "oM" (a small "o" on top of a larger, capital "M") is seen in the upper-right quadrant of the Reverse field.
The specifications of these coins are:
Denomination: 1/20 Ounce, 1/10 Ounce, 1/4 Ounce, 1/2 Ounce, 1 Ounce, 2 Ounces, 5 Ounces; Mint: Mint of Mexico; Mintmark: "oM"; Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Au); Weight: 31.1 grams; Diameter/Size: 40.0 mm; Edge: Reeded; Coin Quality: Business Strike, Proof, Special Finish, Brilliant Uncirculated; Year of Issue: 2017
One Kilo Silver Libertad:
In 2017, the One Kilo Silver Libertad coin is in its 15th year of issue. To celebrate the occasion, the Bank of Mexico has released a high-relief Kilo Libertad with a special beautiful wood-case and a statue of the Winged Angel of Liberty that sits on top of it.
The Reverse of the one Kilo Coin depicts the Victoria statue of Mexican Independence Column in front of the twin volcanic mountains of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl surrounded by the weight purity and date.
The mintage of this Brilliant Uncirculated coin is 200 pieces only, the lowest ever mintage for a Kilo coin.
On the other hand, the Proof-like Libertad Kilo coin released earlier this year come with a mintage of 500 pieces.
The specifications of this coin are:
Denomination: 1 Kilo; Metal content: 32.15 Troy Ounce (Oz); Metal Composition: .999 Silver (Au); Diameter/Size: 110.0 mm; Thickness: 11.5 mm; Mint: "La Casa Moneda de Mexico" (Mint of Mexico); Mintmark: "oM"; Mintage: 200 pieces; Year of Issue :2017.
Gold Libertad coins:
Links to some other interesting posts on South American countries and Mexico:
