Here is my newest from the B&M Baltimore auction. Nothing real fancy about this one, but I've always liked this design. It only the second Mexico gold in my collection ... the other being a tiny 2 pesos. 1917 20 Pesos Certification: NGC MS62 Design: OBVERSE: Displays the Mexican Arms, an eagle perched on a cactus bush with a snake in its beak. This national emblem derives from an old Aztec legend in which their Gods told them to settle at the place where they found an eagle sitting on a cactus bush tearing apart a snake with its beak and claws. Lore is the Aztecs saw this very sight at Lake Texcoco, where they established the great city of Tenochtitlian (current day Mexico City). Above the arms is the inscription “ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS” – States United of Mexico. The date is noted in the right field. ~ REVERSE: The Aztec Calendar Stone (Sunstone) with the denomination “VENTE PESOS” – Twenty Pesos below. The gold fineness in noted below “15 Gr. ORO PURO”. Mint: Mexico City Mintage: 852,000 References: KM #478 / Fr.171 Specifications: Diameter – 27.5 mm Weight – 16.6666 g. @ 0.9000 Gold = .4822 oz AGW Notes: - This coin is popularly called the Azteca. - The calendar stone itself is currently located in the National Museum of Mexico. It is three foot thick, 12 foot in diameter and weighs several tons. It was originally located at the top of the great Aztec temple of the sun in Tenochtitlan when Cortez arrived in 1521. In the middle of the stone is the face of the Aztec sun god surrounded by intricately detailed astronomical designs. - The edge is lettered “INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD” – Independence and Liberty. - First year of issuance.
