April 14, 2009
The 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico was special for a number of reasons. Controversial as well as liberating, it was the first time that the Olympics was hosted by a country in Latin America. The most infamous image of the 1968 Olympics had to be that of the “Black Power Salute” enacted by the African-American 200m gold and bronze medalists, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, when they raised black-gloved fists at the podium as the “Star Spangled Banner” was being played. On the other hand, there was the spectacular world record of “29 feet, 2 and one-half inches” in the long jump set by Bob Beamon and the first time the world would see the “Fosbury Flop” technique in the high jump.
To commemorate the 1968 Olympics, Mexico launched a handsome 25 Peso silver coin. Measuring 0.38 cm in diameter, the 1968 Mexican Olympics Silver coin weighs 22.5 grams. It has a fineness of 720 with pure silver content of 0.5209 troy ounces. A total of 27,182000 of these silver coins were minted.
The obverse of the 1968 Mexican Olympic 25 Peso silver coin shows an Aztec dancer in traditional costume, accentuated by elaborate headgear, jewelry, and sandals. In the middle of a dance, his left hand is raised to the level of his head while his right hand is holding a ball of some sort. In the background, there’s a geometric design. Encircling the Aztec dancer are the words “JUEGOS DE LA XIX OLIMPIADA MEXICO 1968″ with the Olympic Rings at the bottom. The dancer, graceful and athletic, represents the ideals of the Olympics.
In contrast, a rather fierce looking eagle dominates the reverse of the 1968 Mexican Olympic 25 Peso silver coin. Left-profiled, the eagle spreads its majestic wings with left foot perched on a strange podium of rock, cactus, and some other vegetation. In its beak, the eagle is suffocating a snake while its right foot holds unto the snake’s tail. There’s no escape for the poor snake. Appearing in a semi-circle above the eagle are the words “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS”. Slightly to the left of the eagle’s beak is the coin’s denomination, “25 PESOS” and slightly to the right of the eagle’s tail is the coin’s fineness, “LEY 0.720″.
Currently, a 1968 Mexican Olympics Silver coin sells for about USD 13.50. If you want to sell silver, now is the best time to go to the top silver buyer. This way, you will get instant cash for silver at the most competitive price.