Libertad Gold Proof Collection
2011MO

Owner Comments:

Libertad coins are treasured as a precious metal hedge against inflation, for their beauty, and historical significance. Mintage of 1,000 in 2011. The obverse features the Angel of Independence (El Angel de la Independencia); in her right hand she holds a laurel crown, symbolizing Victory, while in her left hand she holds a broken chain, symbolizing Freedom. In the background are the legendary “Lover’s Peak.” 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 Popcattepetl 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 as sentinel with a smoking torch, he eternally watches over his lost love. Then different versions of Mexico’s coat of arms (an eagle with a snake in its mouth, standing on a cactus) are featured on the reverse of the coin.