Silver and Gold Libertads Offer ... a Love Story and an Angel!

A pre-Columbian Mexican legend relates that Popocatepetl, a great warrior, was in love with the fair maiden Iztaccihuatl, daughter of a tribal king. The lovers went to the king who told them he would allow the marriage only if Popocatepetl was victorious in battle with a rival tribe. Popocatepetl went off to battle, was indeed victorious, but was kept away longer than expected. A rival suitor to the hand of Iztaccihuatl spread the rumor that Popocatepetl had died in battle and the young maiden soon died of grief. When Popocatepetl returned he laid her body atop a mountain range that assumed the shape of a sleeping lady - the form that is evident in the western view of the Iztaccihuatl today. Overcome with sadness, Popocatepetl climbed the adjacent peak where, standing sentinel with a smoking torch, he eternally watches over his lost lover.

Lovers and angel design originally was used on 50 Peso coins issued from 1921-1947.

These "Lovers' Peaks," along with a graceful angel, were first pictured on 50 Peso gold coins (called "Centenarios" ) issued from 1921-1947. This design has been featured on Mexican "Libertad" pure silver and gold coins since 1991. And starting in 1996, the Libertads became the only coins issued in the world in convenient sizes of 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 oz. pure silver. 5 oz. silver Libertads have been issued intermittently. The appearance of the angel was modified in 1996, so there are two types of each denomination. Libertads are struck in Brilliant Uncirculated and Proof quality.

The reverse of the legal tender Libertad coins features the national symbol of Mexico - an eagle with a snake in its mouth, standing on a cactus.

Panda America is an official distributor for Casa de Moneda de Mexico, and we have one of the largest inventories anywhere of Libertad silver and gold coins, including annual Mint Sets and Proof Sets in handsome custom holders ... as well as other Mexican bullion and commemorative coins.