I like libertads too, but these are pretty coins and an ounce of silver. 92.5% silver Mexican Onza coin. Each coin contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure silver. These are produced by the Mexican Mint.
I think the big one is premiums bought and sold for sterling. What is told to me is it's a lot easier to refine .999 than .925, more cost effective, less work, so many stay off .925 items. As far as collectability, why not, many times things that are shunned today as junk, are tomorrow's hot commodity?
I just picked up some 1oz and 2oz Mexican Libertads which I think are very cool, and very refreshing as compared to the ASE's! Stole these pics from APMEX's website cause I don't feel like pulling mine out right now, but I like 'em a lot!
I like Mexican coins a lot, but don't find the Onza particularly attractive. Now, if we're discussing the Libertad.............that is a masterpiece! In fact and I realize I might get flamed for saying this on this board, but I find it at least as attractive as the ASE. I've never really understood the obsession with the ASE. However, the Libertad..........muy caliente!
I especially love the reverses of the Libertads. I know, I must be the only person who bought that coin because of the depictions of the eagles rather than the obverse. The onzas "issue" I believe is what PeacePeople said, many are moving away from sterling due to buy/sell spreads and into .999.
Indeed you are correct sir http://www.apmex.com/Category/530/Mexican_Silver_Libertads_2013_Prior.aspx
2.59 over spot at provident if you buy 19 or less, 2.29 over spot if you buy 20-99, 1.99 over spot if a 100+ http://www.providentmetals.com/1-oz-mexico-silver-libertad-coin-brilliant-uncirculated.html
if that's true, then we should see demand slipping for morgans, merc dimes, walking liberty halves. etc?
I think something else is at play when it comes to US 90%. Mostly being in the US, and it's easily recognizable compared to the onza. I'll also add the the Libertad design makes it a much more interesting coin than the ASE.
Just saying this because I heard it somewhere, but I'm not sure so dont quote me. I think the reason people are not moving away from junk silver is becuase its 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper all the time, but sterling is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent something else. That 7.5% can be any other combination of metals. Can anybody confirm this?
That's true. The remainder can be different metals. Usually the difference you'll find is between coin sterling, silverware sterling, jewelry sterling, etc. But even different coins can have a slightly different remaining 7.5%.
It is, look at the premiums. The only thing keeping the premiums closer is copper going up and refiners get "free" copper trom them.
I love 'em too!! I have a roll and some extras of the 1978-1980 Onzas, and I love them because they are HUGE, but yes, most coin shops just recognize them as scrap sterling and buy them at 33.625 grams of sterling, which is like $25 right now, I never really sell them unless I want to get something else. On fleabay or other online outlets I can sell them just like any old ounce of silver, as well as antique flea markets.