2012 1 oz Silver Mexican Libertad – BU

Amidst the grand boulevards of Mexico City stands a monument that has come to embody a nation’s quest for liberty—the Angel of Independence. Erected in 1910 to commemorate Mexico’s centennial of independence from Spanish colonial rule, this soaring figure of Winged Victory has become a beacon of national pride, immortalized in stone and, since the late 20th century, in precious metal. The spirit of this monument was recast for numismatists worldwide with the introduction of the Libertad series, a journey that began in 1982 and forever intertwined Mexico’s history with the art of coining silver.

For collectors, the Libertad does more than capture light on its dazzling surface; it encapsulates centuries of struggle, triumph, and resilience. The design’s roots reach back to the revolutionary fervor of 1921 when the Centenario coin was first minted to honor 100 years of independence. The image of Winged Victory, conceived by engineer Emilio del Moral for the Centenario, was so iconic that when the Libertad was launched decades later, it was selected as the encapsulation of Mexico’s undying quest for freedom.

The mythology surrounding the Libertad’s imagery weaves together elements from pre-Columbian legend and republican symbolism. Towering behind the Angel are the snow-capped peaks of Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl, volcanoes steeped in Aztec lore—eternal sentinels watching over the Valley of Mexico. These natural wonders, paired with the angelic figure, narrate a tale of enduring love and valiant sacrifice, mirroring the nation’s own historical journey through adversity toward sovereignty.

On the reverse, the Mexican eagle—caught mid-battle with a rattlesnake atop a prickly pear cactus—invokes an even older story. It is the very scene the Aztecs witnessed, as legend holds, that compelled them to establish their great city of Tenochtitlán. Today, this emblem remains Mexico’s national coat of arms, a powerful motif that appears across coinage and flags, cementing each Libertad as a vessel of deep cultural roots.

Though first introduced as bullion, the Libertad quickly attained a different stature among global numismatists. It isn’t simply a store of value—it is a tangible fragment of Mexican identity, vividly rendered for each generation to hold and cherish. As collectors trace its annual editions, they aren’t merely assembling investments—they are piecing together chapters from one of the world’s most storied numismatic traditions.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2012 1 oz Silver Mexican Libertad presents the current national coat of arms: a majestic Mexican golden eagle, wings spread in defiant elegance, clutching a serpent in its beak and talon as it stands atop a nopal cactus. This central scene is beautifully framed by an arc of ten historic Mexican coats of arms, tracing the evolution of the nation’s identity from its earliest emblems to the present form. The meticulous detail highlights the multifaceted story of Mexico—its indigenous origins, colonial past, and modern unity.

The reverse features the renowned Winged Victory, or Angel of Independence, standing at the center, her right hand aloft with a laurel wreath—a symbol of peace and triumph—and her left holding broken chains, signifying liberation from oppression. She is rendered in three-quarter relief, giving depth and movement to the motif. The background is graced by the twin volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, an homage both to Mexico’s striking landscape and to the storied lovers from Aztec legend. The inscriptions encircling the composition include “1 ONZA PLATA PURA,” “2012,” “MEXICO,” and the mint mark “Mo,” attesting to both the fineness of the metal and its provenance at the Mexico City Mint.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 1 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: Banco de Mexico
• Mint Mark: Mo – Mexico City
• IRA Eligible: Yes
• Obverse: Mexico’s national coat of arms—a golden eagle devouring a serpent atop a nopal cactus—encircled by ten historic Mexican emblems.
• Reverse: Winged Victory (Angel of Independence) with laurel wreath and broken chains, against Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.

Investment Appeal

The 2012 1 oz Silver Mexican Libertad – BU stands as a compelling option for both seasoned investors and passionate collectors. Struck in .999 fine silver and issued by the historic Banco de Mexico—whose minting pedigree dates back to 1535—it combines robust metal value with international recognition and dazzling artistic merit. The Libertad’s limited annual mintages often drive collector demand far beyond that of typical bullion issues, supporting premium appreciation over spot price. Its eligibility for inclusion in precious metal IRAs further broadens its appeal, providing both a hedge against financial uncertainty and a touchstone of Mexico’s cultural legacy. For those looking to balance tangible wealth preservation with the thrill of historical artistry, the Libertad offers an unrivaled synthesis.