Silver Mexican coins of Aztec series are the collectible samples released in limited edition by the Bank of Mexico. The first edition was released in 1992 in honor of an important event − the 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. The colonial period was an important part of history − it served as the beginning for a new world and new research. Silver coins are dedicated to one of the main civilizations of the Mexican history. All Mexican silver coins in our catalog.
History
Mexico has the richest deposits of silver. For this reason, the country is known for its jewelry, which played an important role in Mexican culture. In ancient times, the goods made of precious metals served the indigenous people (Mayan and Aztec tribes) not only for decorative, but also for ritual purposes. Both men and women wore them to emphasize their high status in society. This was mainly done by people from the upper class and the clergy.
In 1517, conquistadors arrived in Mexico, and in 1521 conquered the Aztec state. Since then, silver from the Mexican mines began to ship to Europe. To do so, the jewelry and ritual objects were also melted into ingots. The Spaniards mined the precious metal in such quantity that it would be possible to build a bridge across the Atlantic Ocean from it. In the country itself, currency was required for trade relations. The silver used for coins’ samples production, equal in mass to Spanish coins of 5, 10 and 20 Mexican pesos, as well as reals and escudos. You can find all 5 Pesos, 10 Pesos and 20 Pesos Mexican silver coins in our catalog.
Did you know? After achieving the independence in 1821, the Mexican government did not abolish the Spanish monetary system for a long time. 16 silver reals were equal to 1 gold escudo (old currency of Spain) and eight reals (1 peso). In contrast to the modern monetary system, the old one divided the currency into 8, rather than 10 units.
In Mexico, gold was also mined, but in smaller amount. 200 kilograms of silver accounted for 1 kilogram of gold. In more modern times, this precious metal was used to produce ancient golden Mexican pesos (1959 & PRIOR) with the image of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla − the hero of the Mexican War of independence. Following the South African “Krugerrand” and the Canadian “Maple Leaf”, Mexican gold libertad appeared in 1981, and from 1982 they started minting Mexican silver libertad.
No less popular were Mexican silver commemorative coins. At first appeared 1 and 5 pesos in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Constitution, and in 1992 the collectors who want to immerse themselves in the history and culture of Mexico, released the first “Silver Aztec”. The memorable sample originated in a powerful wave of ancient art popularization, so it immediately received recognition from the collectors. Thanks to the series, the country became known as a manufacturer of original and high-quality silver coins.
Did you know? In the XIV-XVI centuries, the Aztecs occupied the largest part of the Mexican territory. And although at that time a progressive system of trade and exchange already existed in the country, coinage was unknown to the aborigines. Jade beads, copper scissors, duck feathers or cocoa beans brought from the lowlands were used as economic values. In general, trade between tribal representatives was based on a barter system.
The Aztec Empire was one of the most developed and richest civilizations in the world. Culture is still an important subject for study, since the most ancient civilization has played an important role in Mexican and American history. Many secrets of cultural and religious life were unraveled, but some of them still remain interesting. One of the mystery is the Stone of the Sun − a monolithic basalt disc, which scientists called the Aztec calendar. This particular calendar is depicted on the Silver Aztec coin.
Did you know? At first, the Spaniards had to adapt to the aborigines’ trade system, since at that time in Spain there was not enough their own silver, so it was inconvenient and unprofitable to transport coins to Mexico for trade. In 1535, Antonio de Mendoza (First Vice-King of New Spain) brought with him the Royal Order to create the Mint and founded La Casa de Moneda de Mexico, the oldest continuously operating Mint in the New World.
“Silver Aztec” coins are one of the most impressive commemorative articles made of precious metals minted in Mexico. The design of both sides reminds of more than a thousand-year history and culture associated with the great Aztec civilization. The circulation of the coin is limited (only from 500 to 1500 pieces per year). Each sample has its own certificate of authenticity with a serial number, a book with a detailed description of the Aztec calendar origin history, a loupe as well as a wooden case with branded engraving.
Design
The modern commemorative coin “Silver Aztec” impresses with its beauty, detailed image processing and even with its size. A sample of the precious metal far exceeds other commemorative coins of silver as its weight is 1 kilogram.
Characteristics of the Mexican Silver Aztec Coin
- Metal: silver.
- Sample: 99.9%.
- Weight (in troy ounces): 32.15.
- Weight (in grams): 1,000.
- Denomination: 100 dollars.
- Diameter: 100 mm.
- Quality: Proof.
- Obverse: In the center on the front side there is the modern national emblem of Mexico (the eagle holds a snake in its beak), surrounded by the inscription “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS” (United States of Mexico). Various of national emblems that have been encountered throughout the history are minted in a circle.
- Reverse: In the center on the reverse side, a sculptured relief of the legendary Aztec calendar is minted. In the upper part, parallel to the image on its edge there is the inscription “CALENDARIO AZTECA”. On the right there is the sign of the Mint of Mexico “M”, and on the left − the $ sign followed by a denomination of “100”. On the bottom, from left to right, the year of issue is marked, followed by the inscription “1 kg PLATA PURA LEY .999”. 1 kg Mexican silver coins in our catalog.
Did you know? The Mexican Mint flourished due to the fact that this region had access to a huge amount of silver. Production quickly became one of the largest coin miners in the North American continent, with a reputation for high quality of work. The coins immediately spread throughout the New World. They could be found even in the early colonies of the United States, primarily because ancient samples were distinguished by high quality of coinage and purity of the metal. In the XVI-XVII centuries, the Mint needed a significant expansion in the production of silver coins, so the United States Mint in Philadelphia was involved to the process.
Circulation
Silver Aztec series of Mexican coins has been launched since 2007. The Mint of Mexico annually produces 500 samples in its original box, but in 2017, 1,500 samples were minted. This is the most limited circulation of such coins produced in the country.
Cost of the coins on the market
Unlike Mexican gold coins (commemorative and any other) and limited edition silver jubilee series, the Silver Aztec attracts collectors of numismatic and investment value, and a very small issue significantly increases the cost. The price for one sample varies from $ 1,500 to $ 2,500.
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