Mexican Archaeological Treasure Appears On One Of The World’s Largest Coins

The pre-Columbian Aztec Calendar Stone appears on a pure silver Mexican coin that weighs one kilo (over 2 1/2 troy pounds), available from the American distributor Panda America (Torrance, California).
By: Mel Wacks
 
Sept. 4, 2009 - PRLog -- One of the world’s most impressive archaeological treasures has inspired one of the largest coins ever made. Measuring about 12 ft. in diameter, 4 ft. in thickness and weighing over 22 tons, the Aztec Calendar--one of Mexico’s national symbols--is on display at the National Museum of Anthropology. It is thought that the Aztec calendar stone was carved in 1479, and was eventually buried under the central square of Mexico City until it was discovered in 1790.

The stone may have been a monument or possibly a sacrificial altar. The sun god Tonatuih is in the center; each of his hands holds a human heart. The god is surrounded by four squares that represent previous creations that perished by jaguars, wind, rain and water. Next come representations of the Aztec calendar consisting of 18 months, each 20 days long, plus 5 "unlucky" days adding up to a 365-day year.  Finally, there are head-to-head snakes with the date of the carving indicated between the tails.

Casa de Moneda (Mexican Mint), the oldest mint in the Americas—established in 1535—has produced just 1,500 pure 99.9% silver legal tender $100 face value coins featuring the Aztec Calendar Stone in meticulous detail and superb prooflike quality. These are among the world’s largest coins, weighing 1 kilogram (2.68 troy pounds) and measuring 110 mm. (over 4 inches) in diameter.  The reverse of the coin features 11 National Shields—picturing an eagle standing on a cactus--used throughout Mexico’s history.

The 2009 Aztec Calendar Silver Kilo coins are offered by the official American distributor--while supplies last—for $1,295 plus $20 for shipping. Each coin comes with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, an informative 65-page fully illustrated book, and a custom museum-quality display stand. Orders can be placed with Panda America by calling (800) 472-6327 or on their website www.pandaamerica.com. Note that the first Aztec Calendar Silver Kilo coins, issued in 2008, are now sold out by the distributor and bring as much as $3,500 on the secondary market.

For picture see: http://www.pandaamerica.com/upd_images/mxs2009azteccalend...

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Panda America was established in 1982. It distributes coins for many government mints including Australia, China, Great Britain, Israel, Mexico, etc. Sales in 2008 totaled over 25 million dollars.
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Source:Mel Wacks
Email:***@pandaamerica.com Email Verified
Zip:90503
Tags:Mexico, Numismatics, Rare Coins, Aztec, Silver
Industry:Silver, Archaeology
Location:Torrance - California - United States
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