1982 1 oz Silver Mexican Libertad

The 1982 1 oz Silver Mexican Libertad is the debut of the Type I design of silver bullion coin from oldest mint in the Americas, Casa de Moneda de México (Mexican Mint). Marked 1 onza plata pura ley .999, the Mexican Libertard contains 1 ounce of .999 fine pure silver.

Front/Obverse

The design on the front (obverse) of the Mexican Libertad depicts a front facing replica of El Ángel de la Indepencia (The Angel of Independence), which was built to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence from Spain, symbolizing freedom. In the background is the twin volcanoes of Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl. The volcanoes are said to resemble the star-crossed lovers of Aztec mythology. According to the myth, Mixtli, the princess of the Great City Tenochititlán, fell in love with Popoco a humble peasant. In order to prove himself among the other suiters, Popoco goes on a war campaign. Thinking her love died on the battlefield, Mixtli dies of grief. When the victorious Popoca returns to find Mixtli dead, he commits suicide. The gods cover the lovers in snow and turned them into mountains. The volcano, Iztaccihuatl, is said to resemble a woman sleeping on her back. Popocatépetl, also know as smoking mountain, resembles a warrior crouching, forever keeping watch over his lover. He occasionally rains fire on Earth in rage over losing his love.

Back/Reverse

The Mexican Coat of Arms is the prominent symbol on the back (reverse) design of the Mexican Libertad. Adopted in 1823, the Coat of Arms symbolizes an Aztec legend. According to the legend, the Aztec people searched for new place to build their civilization. They wandered for hundreds of years until they saw the sign produced by the god Huitzilopchtli: an eagle landing on a prickly pear cactus devouring a serpent. Their new home was a small swampy island in Lake Texcoco which they name Tenochtitlan, which means "Place of the Prickly Pear", which now the center of Mexico City.

The original Coat of Arms was designed by Fancisco Eppens Helguera. The emblem was re-approved in 1934. The design was slightly modified in 1968. The current design shows the eagle in left profile with the upper part of the Mexican eagle's wings are higher than the plume, indicating battle attitude. The wing feathers are facing downward touching the fanned tail feathers. The eagle is perched on the nopal cactus which is growing from a rock emerging from a lake. The curved snake is grasped in the eagle's right talon and strong beak. Below the eagle is a semi-circle comprised of a branch of encino leaves on the left and laurel leaves on the right. The branches are tied together with a ribbon of three colors. Above the eagle is "Estados Unidos Mexicanos" ("United Mexican States")

Coin Specifications:

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