Mexican silver coins are not only admired for their purity and aesthetic appeal, but they also play a key role in the country’s numismatic history. First minted in 1535, these silver coins embody Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and offer an interesting option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolio. You probably wonder how to start a coin collection for Mexican coins…
To truly appreciate the allure of Mexican silver coins, one must understand their origins and significance in Mexico’s storied past. Upon establishing the first mint in the Americas, the Spanish colonial government in Mexico started producing silver coins. These coins became widely accepted currency, not only in the Americas, but around the world, highlighting the importance of Mexican silver in global trade. Remember, while reading these lines, that you also need to clean silver coins. And if you like Mexican silver coins, you will also like Spanish gold coins!
Throughout the centuries, several types of Mexican silver coins have been minted, each featuring unique designs that reflect different eras of the country’s history. The most popular among them is the “Libertad”. Minted by the Mexican Mint, La Casa de Moneda de México, the Libertad is a bullion coin, which means its value is primarily based on its silver content. However, collectors often value it higher due to its historical significance and beautiful design, which includes a depiction of the iconic Winged Victory statue, a symbol of Mexican independence.
Another notable Mexican silver coin is the Silver Peso. Over the course of history, the Silver Peso has undergone numerous design and denomination changes, making it a favorite among coin collectors. It has even played a significant role in shaping the United States Dollar, as the Spanish dollar, which included the Mexican peso, was a legal tender in the US until the mid-19th century.
But Mexican silver coins are not just relics of the past. They continue to be minted and are popular among investors due to their .999 purity of silver. The international reputation of the Mexican Mint ensures that these coins are highly liquid assets, making them a popular choice for investors seeking to hedge against inflation or add a tangible asset to their portfolios.
Whether it’s the historic designs, the purity of the silver, or the investment potential that attracts you, Mexican silver coins offer a unique combination of cultural value, beauty, and financial utility. These coins stand as a testament to Mexico’s rich history and ongoing contribution to the global precious metals market. For collectors and investors alike, Mexican silver coins represent a tangible piece of the past, while offering opportunities for future gain.
Discover Mexican Silver Coins
Mexican silver coins can be a rewarding endeavor. Their .999 purity of silver, historical significance, and the reputation of the Mexican Mint make these coins an appealing choice for both numismatists and investors. Here is a list of some of the most prominent Mexican silver coins you may consider for investment:
- Mexican Silver Libertad: This is arguably the most famous Mexican silver coin. First minted in 1982, the Libertad comes in different sizes, from 1/20 oz up to 1 kilogram. Its design is inspired by the Centenario gold coin and features iconic Mexican imagery such as the Winged Victory statue and the country’s coat of arms.
- Mexican Silver Centenario: Although primarily a gold coin, the Centenario has a silver counterpart that was minted to celebrate Mexico’s centennial of independence in 1921. This coin features the Angel of Independence (Winged Victory) on one side and the Mexican coat of arms on the other.
- Mexican Silver Onza: This coin was first issued in 1978 and is also known as the “Balance Scale” coin. It’s a one-ounce silver coin that offers a unique addition to a collection or investment portfolio.
- Mexican Silver Peso: The Silver Peso has a long history, with many different designs over the years. Its earlier versions (1898-1909) were made from .903 silver and are sought after by collectors. Later versions have varying silver contents, with the more recent ones containing less silver.
- 50 Pesos Bank Coin (Cincuenta Pesos): First minted in 1984, this coin is 1/20th of an ounce of .999 fine silver. It features the national coat of arms on the obverse and the denomination surrounded by a wreath on the reverse.
- Silver Hidalgo: Minted from 1951 to 1954, this large silver coin was made to honor Miguel Hidalgo, a hero of the Mexican War of Independence. It contains .6430 ounces of silver.
- Silver Morelos: Minted from 1947 to 1949, this coin honors José María Morelos, another hero of the Mexican War of Independence. It contains .8680 ounces of silver.
Remember, investing in silver coins, including Mexican silver coins, should be done with careful consideration and research. It’s advisable to seek advice from a financial advisor or a numismatic expert to fully understand the potential benefits and risks associated with this form of investment.
Invest in Mexican Silver Coins
Creating a portfolio of Mexican silver coins with a budget of $1000 requires careful planning to maximize the benefits of your investment. When building this portfolio, it’s crucial to consider not only the silver content of the coins but also their market prices, numismatic value, and the diversification they offer. Here’s a hypothetical portfolio that could be constructed with a budget of $1000, given the prices at the time of writing:
| Coin | Quantity | Notable Features | Estimated Price Per Coin (USD) | Total Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Libertad (1 oz) | 4 | .999 fine silver, iconic Winged Victory image | $25 | $100 |
| Silver Centenario (1 oz) | 2 | .925 fine silver, celebrates Mexican independence | $35 | $70 |
| Silver Onza | 3 | .925 fine silver, unique “Balance Scale” design | $20 | $60 |
| Silver Peso (early version) | 10 | .903 fine silver, historical coinage | $15 | $150 |
| 50 Pesos Bank Coin (1/20 oz) | 20 | .999 fine silver, national coat of arms design | $8 | $160 |
| Silver Hidalgo | 6 | .720 fine silver, features Miguel Hidalgo | $20 | $120 |
| Silver Morelos | 8 | .500 fine silver, features José María Morelos | $30 | $240 |
This portfolio includes seven different types of Mexican silver coins, providing a diversified mix of designs and silver content. The portfolio is balanced between coins with high silver content like the Silver Libertad and those with significant numismatic value like the Silver Hidalgo.
In total, this hypothetical portfolio amounts to $900, leaving a $100 buffer. This buffer can be used for any potential shipping costs, additional charges, or price fluctuations in the market. Please note that the actual prices of the coins can vary based on their condition, rarity, and the current market situation.
Remember, this is just an illustrative example. Depending on your investment goals, you might want to adjust the quantity or type of coins in your portfolio. Always seek advice from a financial advisor or numismatic expert before making any investment decisions.
Store Mexican Silver Coins
Properly storing your Mexican silver coins is essential for preserving their value and condition. There are several key considerations to ensure optimal storage conditions that protect your coins from damage and degradation over time, like getting a coin collection case. Here’s a guide on how to store your Mexican silver coins:
- Handling: Always handle your coins carefully to avoid unnecessary damage. Use a clean, soft cloth or wear cotton gloves when handling coins to avoid leaving fingerprints, which can contain oils that accelerate tarnishing. Handle your coins by their edges to avoid touching the faces.
- Environment: Coins should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Extreme temperatures, humidity, and sunlight can cause tarnishing and other forms of damage. Consider using a safe deposit box in a bank, a home safe, or a secure, climate-controlled location in your house.
- Containers: Invest in quality coin holders, tubes, or albums for storage. These products should be non-PVC as PVC can damage coins over time. Airtight holders, often called “coin capsules,” are a great option because they offer protection from air and moisture.
- Chemicals: Keep your coins away from chemicals, including those found in paper and PVC. Many coin collectors use acid-free paper or cardboard when storing coins. If you’re using plastic containers or bags, make sure they’re made of a safe material like Mylar.
- Cleaning: It’s generally advised not to clean your coins as improper cleaning can damage them and reduce their value. If you feel your coins need to be cleaned, consider consulting with a professional to avoid damaging the coin.
- Regular Inspection: Even when stored properly, you should periodically check your coins for signs of tarnish, corrosion, or other damage. This regular inspection will allow you to address any potential issues before they become serious problems.
By following these guidelines, you can protect your investment and keep your Mexican silver coins in the best possible condition. Whether you’re a casual collector or a serious investor, proper coin storage is a critical aspect of coin ownership that should not be overlooked.
Conclusion
In conclusion, coin collection cases are more than just storage options for coins. They play an integral role in the field of numismatics, providing essential protection and offering a method of organization and display for valuable collections. Ranging from simple coin flips for transport to ornate cabinets for large-scale collections, there is a variety of cases available to suit any collector’s needs and budget.
The wide range of prices and features cater to both beginners and seasoned collectors, allowing for expansion and upgrades as a collection grows. It’s important to note that the best case for any individual will depend on their specific requirements, such as the size and value of their collection and their display preferences.
Therefore, before investing in a coin collection case, consider the size and nature of your collection, the level of protection required, and the way you wish to display your coins. Always consult up-to-date, reliable sources when looking for the latest prices and features.
