Silver Libertads

Silver Libertad Series

Exceptional Mexican coins have been circulating the globe for over 4 centuries. The most current of these is Silver Libertad, first struck back in 1982 by the Casa de Moneda de Mexico (the Mexican Mint). While Mexico has issued other silver coins before this, such as the Mexican Silver Peso, this was the first coin struck by Mexico strictly for bullion purposes. Today, it is one of the most popular silver bullion coins and is collected all over the world.

The Obverse Design of the Silver Libertad

The Obverse of the Silver Libertad shows an image of the current Official Seal of Mexico - an eagle with a snake in mouth, standing on a cactus. The seal is surrounded by Mexico's official name "Estados Unidos Mexicanos", or United Mexican States. Every seal of Mexico used in its history is also struck onto this obverse, arranged in a circular pattern around the current seal.

The Reverse Design of the Silver Libertad

In Spanish, "libertad" translates to freedom or liberty. The reverse of every Mexican Silver Libertad features an image of El Angel - the Winged Victory statue celebrating Mexico's War of Independence that soars high on a pedestal in the center of Mexico City. Behind her stand two famous Mexican volcanoes - Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl. Often compared to the America's Lady Liberty, El Angel is also known as Nike (or Nicé) - a symbol of liberty in both battle and peaceful competition.

Silver Libertad Sizes

While the coin was first struck out of 1 oz. of .999 fine silver, its size options expanded rapidly. In 1991, the bullion coin was struck not only in its 1 oz. weight, but also with the additional sizes 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/10 oz. and 1/20 oz. This continued in 1996 with 2 oz. and 5 oz. Silver Libertads, and finally in 2002 a 1 Kilogram version was minted. The Silver Libertad is a bullion coin with one of the most diverse ranges of size available.

Silver Libertad Finishes

The Silver Libertad was only struck with a standard business strike in 1982, but in 1983 a collector's proof version was issued. It started with a very low mintage and production did not continue until 3 years later in 1986. In 1992, the fractional sizes were struck in this collectors finish, allowing collectors the opportunity to purchase a set. When the 1 Kilogram version was issued in 2002, it was minted using a very special prooflike finish that was never seen before on a Silver Libertad. In 2015, a brand new Reverse Proof finish was used on the Silver Libertad.