We're
proud to offer you the scarce Mexican Libertad, minted in the
special white silver for which Mexico is famous! Each coin is
individually struck and bears the renowned Mo mint mark
of the historic Mexico City Mint (la Casa de Moneda), the
oldest
mint in the Western Hemisphere. This "House of Money"
was established by Spain in 1535. Of course, the silver in
these
treasures is pure, and the design beautiful!
The Mexican Libertad
In the center of the obverse the half-naked goddess Nike flies above
the plain of Tenochtitlan and the former Lake Texcoco. Nike is often
referred to as Winged Victory, and is an allegory, representing the
concept of triumph or victory (in this case, victory over tyranny and
oppression). The laurel wreath in her left hand represents freedom,
while the broken chain in her left hand represents national
independence, sentiments echoed by the edge lettering ("Independencia y
Libertad", or "Independence and Liberty").
Behind her are the two famous volcanoes, Popocatépetl and
Iztaccíhuatl, which are often visible from Mexico City,
depending upon atmospheric and weather conditions. There are several
stories associated with these mountains, including an Aztec myth,
recounted below. Because of her appearance, with full and feathery
wings, this
representation of Winged Victory is often referred
to as the "Angel of Liberty". The design is taken from the famous
statue in downtown Mexico City.
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medals featuring allegories!
The Angel of Independence
El Ángel de la
Independencia (
The
Angel of Independence, and most commonly known by the
shortened name
El
Ángel)
is a famous statue of Winged Victory located on a roundabout in the
Paseo de la Reforma in downtown Mexico City. She is flying atop a
victory column know as
Columna
de la Independencia,
or the "Independence Column", which is 117 feet tall! El Angel
was
designed by Enrique Alciati. Made of bronze covered in
gold, the
statue alone weighs 14,000 pounds (7 tons)!
El Angel was built in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the
beginning of Mexico's War of Independence. In later years it was made
into a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war. It is one
of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City, and it has become a
focal point for both celebration or protest. At its base is an eternal
flame honoring the heroes and marking their graves.
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and medals with beauties on them!
The Legend of
Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl
In Aztec mythology, Iztaccihuatl was a princess who fell in love with
one of her father, the king's, warriors, name Popocatepetl. Her father
sent her lover to a war in Oaxaca, promising his daughter as his wife
if he returned. (Of course, Iztaccíhuatl's father,
the
king, presumed he would not.) When Iztaccíhuatl was falsely
told
that her lover was dead, she expired of grief.
When Popocatépetl returned, he in turn died of grief over
losing
his beloved. The gods took pity on the star-crossed lovers,
transforming their bodies into mountains and covering them with snow.
Iztaccíhuatl's mountain is known as the "White Woman"
because it
resembles a woman sleeping on her back, and is often covered with snow.
Popocatépetl became a more active volcano, raining fire in
blind
rage at the loss of his lover.
Please note that because Libertads were originally distributed in Banco
de Mexico rolls, some may have a slight toning or patina, especially
around the edge and rims. This enhances, rather than detracts from,
their beauty.
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and Onzas!
Purity Note
This beautiful silver Libertad is minted in lustrous, white .999 fine
(pure) silver!
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silver coins!
Obverse
A
beautiful, full body portrait of the semi-nude goddess Nike, also known
as Winged Victory. She holds a laurel wreath in her right hand and a
broken chain in her left hand. She stands in front of the mountains
Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The
legends 1 ONZA PLATA PURA and LEY 999 guarantee the weight and purity.
The date of issue is also indicated.
Reverse
The official seal of the United Mexican States, featuring an eagle
resting on a cactus, with a snake or serpent in its beak. This
symbolizes Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, on which site Mexico City
now rests. Beneath the eagle is a wreath composed half of oak leaves
and half of laurel leaves, while above the eagle is the legend ESTADOS
UNIDOS MEXICANOS.
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