Brilliant Uncirculated Mexican Silver Libertads

Brilliant Uncirculated Mexican Silver Libertad Bullion Coins

The Mexican Silver Libertad is one of the most diverse sovereign bullion coins programs in the world today. While many silver bullion coins are available in either a 1 oz weight, or 1 oz and other larger weights, the Mexican Libertad’s silver version is available in a variety of weights that range from the diminutive 1/20 oz coin to a larger 5 oz option.

Produced on an annual basis by the Mexican Mint, the Mexican Silver Libertad coin is actually available in a proof version, a proof-like 1 kilogram version, and the Brilliant Uncirculated, or BU, version of the coin.

What Does BU Mean?

The Brilliant Uncirculated condition of Mexican Silver Libertads from this version indicates a lack of any wear and tear on the coin’s surfaces. However, BU coins are not without their flaws. A BU coin can exhibit minor flaws such as breaks in the luster, spotted surfaces, or contact marks from the coining process. By in large though, these coins are suitable for collectors and investors because they were not struck for circulation and make the ideal option for numismatists.

Mintage History of the Brilliant Uncirculated Mexican Silver Libertad

The Brilliant Uncirculated version of the Mexican Silver Libertad has been the most consistent and diverse version of the coin available to investors and collectors. Originally introduced in 1982, these coins were struck only in a 1 oz version at first with much higher mintage volumes that currently produced by the Mexican Mint. The 1 oz version of the coin is subject to the demands of the public, with the mint working to strike the coins to match demand. As such, there have been massive fluctuations in the coin’s production.

When the coins were first introduced, mintage climbed steadily for nearly a decade. Debuting with a mintage of 1.05 million in 1982, the coins reached 2.017 million by 1985 and sustained mintage levels between 1.5 million and 2.5 million through 1992. However, a dip in the value of silver in the 1990s saw mintage crash to a low of 67,000 in 1998.

Recent years have seen the 1 oz BU Mexican Silver Libertad coins struck at higher levels, jumping as high as 1.65 million during the height of the Great Recession in 2009. The mintage history of the fractional-weight and full-weight coins has been much different though.

Introduced in 1991, the fractional-weight coins from the Mexican Mint include a 1/20 oz, 1/10 oz, ¼ oz, and ½ oz coin. The coins were first introduced with the same mintage range, all of them around 50,000 in total. Over the course of time as certain weights have proven more popular, mintage levels have changed. For example, in 1992 there were 295,783 1/20 oz BU Mexican Silver Libertads struck compared to just 104,000 of the ¼ oz coins.

The BU Mexican Silver Libertad program increased again in 1996 with the addition of a 2 oz and 5 oz variety. These coins originally had set mintages each year, though that has changed in recent years. Compared to other versions of the coin, production of these larger weights is much lower. As of 2015 though, mintage levels for these coins jumped equal to or higher than the fractional weights. For example, the 2015 2 oz BU Mexican Silver Libertad had a mintage of 20,100 compared to 19,900 1/10 oz coins, the highest among the fractional weights.

Inspiration for the Mexican Silver Libertad

The Mexican Silver Libertad may have been introduced in 1982, but its history dates back to 1921 and the nation’s celebration of its independence from Spain. In 1821, the people of Mexico started an armed revolt against colonial rulers from Spain. After an eight-year war, the Mexican Army emerged victorious. A century later, the nation of Mexico marked 100 years of independence with celebrations, construction of a statue of Winged Victory in Mexico City, and the striking of a gold Centenario coin.

On the obverse side of the original Centenario coin, the central design feature was that of Winged Victory. Also known as the Angel of Independence, she represented the successful struggle of the Mexican people to free themselves from Spanish rule. In her right hand, she holds aloft a wreath crown. In her left hand, the broken chains of servitude. In the background, the volcanic peaks of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl are visible.

Engravings on this side of the coin include the face value of 50 Pesos, as well as the centennial mark of 1821-1921, and the coin’s weight, purity, and metal content. The reverse features the image of the Mexican coat of arms, which depicts a golden eagle in battle with a serpent atop a cactus perch.

These coins were produced by the Mexican Mint from 1921 to 1931, with production resuming from 1943 to 1947. Beginning in 1949, the mint struck reproduction versions with a mint mark of 1947. These coins remained in production through 1972. Although Centenario coins were issued a face value, they were not considered legal tender and not available for use as official currency.

Purchase Your Brilliant Uncirculated Mexican Silver Libertad from JM Bullion

JM Bullion accepts various payment methods for your purchase of Mexican Mint precious metal products. In addition to credit/debit cards (AMEX excluded) and paper checks, we now accept bank wire transfers and PayPal account transfers. Credit/debit card purchases process in one business day on average. Bank wire and PayPal transfers are immediately processed, and paper checks take up to six business days.

We proudly offer free standard shipping and insurance on all purchases over $99 from JM Bullion. Your purchase will be packaged in discreet boxes for shipping to protect the identity of the products within. If you’d like to upgrade to expedited shipping, you may do so at an additional cost.

If you have any questions about purchasing Mexican Mint products from JM Bullion, feel free to contact one of our associates at 800-276-6508. We’re also conveniently available online through our live web chat and email services.