The Mexican Mint

Mexican Mint

The oldest mint in the Americas is none other than the Mexican Mint. This sovereign mint produces circulation coinage, bullion coins, and medals for not just Mexico, but other nations as well. Learn all about the Mexican Mint right here, at Silver.com.

Background on the Mexican Mint

The history of the Mexican Mint can be traced back to 1521. At this time, the Spanish had just conquered the Aztec Empire. This area, which was referred to as New Spain, occupied Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

14 years later, Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza founded the nation’s first mint. This new mint, which was established in Ciudad de Mexico, produced gold and silver coins that were used in New Spain.

Over the centuries, the Mexican Mint underwent numerous changes to modernize it. From 1810 to 1821, the central government wasn’t able to control the country during the War of Independence in Mexico. Because of this, coin distribution throughout the country was impossible. Thus, the Mexican Mint branched off into several locations.

Mexico’s central bank was given power over striking coins and printing banknotes in 1925. By 1992, all of the branches of the Mexican Mint were merged into one location in San Luis Potosi.

Mexican Libertad Coins

The most well-known product of the Mexican Mint is the Mexican Libertad. These coins were first introduced as the Gold Libertad, while the Silver Libertad debuted the following year.

Silver coins have been issued annually since they debuted back in 1982. Initially, they were introduced as just a 1 oz size. In 1991, four fractional-ounce weights were introduced to the coin program. A 2 oz coin and a 5 oz version debuted in 1996. This was followed by a 1 kilogram option in 2008.

Gold coins were first issued in 1981 in 3 unique sizes – 1 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1/4 oz. Gold Libertads went on hiatus for a decade before being reintroduced in 1991. When they came back in 1991, they were available in the 3 original weights plus 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz options. Gold coins were minted in these 5 sizes annually from 1991 to 1994. They returned again in 2000 and have been produced annually since 2002. Fractional ounce weights have been available every year except for 2012.

The obverse and reverse, in terms of subject matter, have not changed since the overall series debuted back in 1981. However, the exact image has had some alterations over the years. The obverse features the Mexican coat of arms. In 2000, the design for coins with a weight of 1 oz or greater was changed to showcase the coat of arms framed by the previous 10 versions of this coat of arms.

The reverse of these coins showcases a depiction of Winged Victory. From 1982 to 1995 she was shown in front-facing relief holding broken chains and a wreath crown. Since 1996, Victory has been present in a three-quarter profile with more visibility of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.

Mexican Pesos

Another popular item you’ll find on Silver.com is the Mexican Peso. While some were present in Mexico at the beginning of 1863, most didn’t come to Mexico until at least 1900. In 1921, for the 100th anniversary of Mexican Independence, a unique 50 Gold Mexican Peso was issued. The design of this coin served as the basis for the Libertad Series.

Designs on the Mexican Peso differ based on the year of issue and denomination. At Silver.com, you’ll find Mexican Pesos in denominations ranging from 2 Pesos to 100 Pesos.

Mexican Mint Questions

Questions about the Mexican Mint or its products? Contact the Silver.com team today. We can be reached via email, through our online chat feature, or by giving us a call at 1-888-989-7223.