The 2016 1/2 oz Silver Mexican Libertad Coin is a .999 fine silver bullion coin minted by Casa de Moneda de Mexico (also known as the Mint of Mexico), the oldest mint in North America, founded in 1535.

Unlike other sovereign bullion coins, the Silver Libertad does not have a nominal Mexican currency value or denomination because the Central Bank of Mexico decided that from the get-go the value of the coin should be based on the market price (spot price) of silver plus a small premium.

Reverse Design

Though the Winged Victory side of the Libertad is technically the reverse side, it is the more popular and recognizable side of the coin. El Angel de la Independencia (The Angel of Independence) design on the Mexican Libertad pays tribute to the famous statue of Winged Victory located in downtown Mexico City. The solid bronze statue itself is covered in 24k gold, weighing in at a whopping 7 tons and is full of symbolism. In her right hand El Angel holds a laurel crown symbolizing Victory and in her left hand is a broken chain, symbolizing Freedom (or "Libertad" in Spanish). The coin's weight, purity and year of mintage also appear in Spanish on this side. When the Mexican Mint began production of the 1 Onza Silver Libertad in 1982, it featured the Centanario Winged Victory Angel design taken from Mexico's 50-peso gold bullion coin. In 1996 the Mexican Mint updated the reverse design with a new Winged Victory Angel design which can still be seen on the current year coin.

Obverse Design

The central design of the Silver Libertad's obverse features Mexico's National Coat of Arms depicting a Mexican Eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak, accompanied by the inscription "ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS". Encircling the central coat of arms are various other Coat of Arms designs used throughout Mexico's history.

Mintage

The Mint of Mexico is responsible for minting legal tender coins within the country, according to the characteristics and denominations established by the decrees issued by the Mexican Congress and the guidelines set forth by the Banco de Mexico.