The Mexican Mint, officially known as La Casa de Moneda de México, holds the distinction of being the oldest mint in the Americas. It was established in 1535 during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. This historical institution was initiated under a Spanish royal decree and played a pivotal role in minting the first precious metals in the Americas. Throughout the 1800s, its silver coins were so influential that they helped shape several modern currencies, including the USD, JPY, and CNY. Originally based in Mexico City, the mint now operates from San Luis Potosi and serves primarily the Bank of Mexico, alongside producing fine coinage for countries such as Brazil, Spain, the United States, Nicaragua, Argentina, and Germany.
The Libertad Series
Among its prestigious offerings, the Mexican Mint produces the renowned Libertad series of precious metal coins, highly coveted by retail investors. Available in both gold and silver, these coins stand out in the market with their variety of sizes, ranging from 1/2 ounce to 1 kilogram. Notably, both the gold and silver Libertads feature 999 fine investment-grade metal, adorned with identical iconic imagery. Unique among government minted coins, the Libertads do not carry a face value, similar to the South African Krugerrand, focusing instead on the intrinsic value of the metals.
Libertad Sizes and Design
The Libertad coins were introduced in 1982 and have been a continuous presence in the precious metals market since. Each coin proudly displays the Mexican coat of arms on the obverse, and on the reverse, features the image of Winged Victoria with the famed Mexican volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl in the background. A special mention goes to the rare 1/4 ounce platinum Libertad, launched in 1989 with a limited run of 3,500 coins, enhancing its collectability.
The Mexican Peso Gold Coin Series
The Mexican Peso gold series is another significant offering from the Mexican Mint, with the 50 Peso gold coin being particularly prominent. Weighing 37.5 grams, these coins are slightly larger than the standard 1-ounce gold coins and boast a rich history of production since 1535. Featuring the Angel of Independence on the obverse and Mexico’s coat of arms on the reverse, the 50 Peso coin carries a face value and is predominantly minted in gold. These coins, particularly the restrikes of the 1947 issue, are highly sought after in the precious metals market for their low premium over the spot price of gold.
Investing in Mexican Gold Coins
Mexican Mint gold and silver coins are popular choices among precious metals investors worldwide. The 50 Peso gold coin, trading at a low margin over spot price, is especially favored for its value and historical significance. While the Libertads tend to have a higher margin, their unique design and lack of face value make them attractive for collectors and investors looking for smaller volume purchases.
