Mexican Libertad
The Mexican Gold Libertad is not the most well-known coin in numismatuic circles, but it is certainly popular in its own right within North America. Produced in Mexico as you might have guessed by the name, it has relatively limited production runs on an annual basis. The silver variation of this coin is the most abundant, but the same can be said for just about any coin.
The Libertad coin was first introduced back in 1982. At this time, the one ounce coin was the only one that was minted. Many countries often times experiment with their production numbers with their first few releases in order to gauge popularity and to build a fan base for the coin itself. It wasn't until nearly a decade later, in 1991, that the coin saw a spike in quantities and sizes released. It was at this time that the varities of coins jumped from just one ounce to 1/20th ounce, 1/10th ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/2 ounce sizes.
A few years after this expansion, the coin added yet another few sizes with 2 oz. and 5 oz. offerings. Mexico is one of the few nations in the world that produced their bullion coins in these more abstract weights.
Gold Libertad Design
The Gold Libertad carries a uniform design from year to year. On the obverse side of the coin is a "Winged Victoria" which is displayed prominently in front of the Mexican Independence Victory Column. Behind this, two of Mexicos most famous volcanoes are displayed.
The reverse side of the coin is not nearly as intricate, displaying the Mexican coat of arms. The coin has a very distinct look and appeal and is very similar to much of the regular currency used in the country.
Cost of Gold Libertads
Gold Libertads actually have a fairly sizable markup attached to them, most often sitting around $100 to $150 over spot if you are buying a one ounce coin. The caveat to this pricing is that backdate issues will not usually cost as much, unless you are buying from a year in which there was significantly limited production.
Proof Libertad coins are exceptionally expensive. These coins can cost $600 or more over the spot price of gold per ounce, making them one of the most valuable on the second hand market. The driving force behind the high prices for both the regular uncirculated and the proof versions of the Gold Libertad is the defined shortage when compared to other popular coins from around the world. If you can manage to get your hands on a few, you should consider yourself lucky.
Buying Gold Libertads Online
Shopping for Gold Libertad coins will prove to be a bit more of a task than what is usually involved in buying gold coins. With the Libertad, due to the small amount of coins minted and released each year, the premiums are going to be high and will vary wildly from dealer to dealer. It is almost impossible to give a realistic price point for these particular coins due to their sensitive and rare nature.
For most buyers, paying under $150 (over spot) will be relatively easy to do. This, of course, assumes that you are buying the uncirculated coins and not graded or proof pieces. If you want to save a few extra dollars, buy backdate (older year) releases. These coins may not be plentiful, but there are not impossible to obtain either. The investment value for gold's sake is nearly matched by the investment value for the true rarity and undying demand for Gold Libertads on a recurring, annual basis.
