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Inventory:
20 In Stock
- Product ID: 57051
The Five Ounce Silver Round featuring the Aztec Calendar Wheel and Cuauhtémoc is a bold and intricately designed bullion piece that bridges Mesoamerican cultural heritage with the solid value of .999 fine silver. This round, containing a full five troy ounces of silver, pays homage to two of the most iconic elements of Aztec civilization: the famed Sun Stone (often referred to as the Aztec Calendar) and Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor who became a symbol of resistance, bravery, and national pride in Mexican history. As a large-format silver round, it offers collectors and investors both striking visual artistry and substantial precious metal content, making it highly desirable for a wide range of numismatic and bullion enthusiasts.
The obverse of the round is dominated by a stunning, high-relief rendering of the Aztec Calendar Stone, a massive basalt sculpture discovered in Mexico City’s Zócalo in 1790. This iconic image, often mistakenly referred to as a calendar, actually represents the complex Aztec cosmology, timekeeping, and religious beliefs. At the center of the design is the fierce visage of Tonatiuh, the sun god, who holds a human heart in each hand and a sacrificial blade in his mouth, symbolizing the Aztec belief in solar sacrifice. Surrounding Tonatiuh are the glyphs of the previous four eras (or suns) and multiple rings of intricate symbols denoting days, gods, and celestial cycles. The attention to detail in the design is extraordinary, with deep engraving that captures the complexity of the original stone in silver relief.
The reverse side of the round features a powerful portrait of Cuauhtémoc, the final tlatoani (ruler) of the Aztec Empire. He is depicted wearing a traditional eagle-feather headdress, a warrior’s adornment that reflects his noble lineage and role as a military leader. The expression on his face is resolute, embodying the defiance he showed during the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlán in 1521. Behind him, stylized feathers and traditional Aztec patterns fill the background, adding both cultural context and decorative richness to the composition. Above Cuauhtémoc’s head is his name in bold, capitalized text, and below the image is the silver purity and weight: “FIVE TROY OUNCES .999 FINE SILVER,” providing both authentication and assurance of the round’s intrinsic value.
This round is produced by various private mints, such as the Golden State Mint and others that specialize in high-quality bullion art. These mints employ state-of-the-art die engraving and high-pressure striking to bring out the fine detail of the Aztec artwork. The round is struck on thick silver blanks that allow for deeper, more pronounced relief, especially on a 5 oz format. Because of its larger surface area, the designers have more space to include incredibly detailed and accurate depictions of ancient Mesoamerican motifs, something not possible on smaller bullion rounds or coins. Collectors especially appreciate the round’s depth, which gives it the appearance of a silver medallion or sculptural relief.
The physical specifications of the round are impressive. It measures approximately 63 to 65 mm in diameter, depending on the minting source, and weighs precisely five troy ounces (155.5 grams). Made from .999 fine silver, the round contains 5 ounces of pure elemental silver, offering both a hedge against inflation and a long-term store of wealth. Its weight and diameter make it suitable for display purposes, yet it is also stackable and easy to store thanks to its consistent sizing across similar private mint products. The smooth edge gives it a clean finish, while the round’s thickness makes it feel substantial and durable in hand.
Though not legal tender, this round is fully guaranteed for weight and purity by the minting entity and is widely recognized in the bullion trade. Its semi-numismatic nature—meaning it holds both bullion and collectible value—enhances its appeal beyond silver content alone. Rounds featuring culturally rich and historic themes like the Aztec Calendar and Cuauhtémoc often carry slightly higher premiums over spot silver, especially among collectors of world history, Latin American heritage, or indigenous symbolism. Over time, limited production runs and artistic appeal can increase the round’s desirability and market value, particularly if kept in excellent condition.
These rounds are often issued in protective plastic capsules or tubes, depending on how they are sold. Individual capsules prevent tarnish and handling wear, while bulk orders are commonly shipped in mint tubes or boxes. When stored properly—away from humidity and pollutants—the rounds can maintain their luster and detail for decades. Collectors who wish to preserve the coin’s visual impact often invest in capsule storage or presentation boxes that allow the high-relief design to be admired without direct contact.
One of the main attractions of the Aztec Calendar design is its cultural and educational value. It is more than decorative—it tells a story of an advanced civilization with complex mathematics, astronomy, and mythology. Many owners of this round display it as a conversation piece or gift it to friends and family with interests in anthropology, Latin American history, or cultural heritage. The depiction of Cuauhtémoc adds further meaning, as he is considered a heroic figure in Mexican history, remembered for his resistance against Hernán Cortés and the Spanish invaders even in the face of overwhelming odds and eventual execution.
The artistic and symbolic significance of the round has made it one of the more recognizable large-format bullion pieces on the market. Unlike generic rounds that merely state the weight and purity, this one tells a story and evokes the grandeur and tragedy of the Aztec Empire. Its dual imagery—cosmic and human—adds richness, pairing the mythological structure of the universe with the personal courage of a historical leader. As such, it stands out in both bullion portfolios and thematic collections, offering depth that few other silver rounds can match.
In summary, the Five Ounce Silver Round featuring the Aztec Calendar and Cuauhtémoc represents a powerful fusion of precious metal investment and cultural homage. Its .999 fine silver purity, detailed artistry, and historical symbolism make it an ideal piece for collectors, investors, and admirers of indigenous and Latin American heritage. Whether appreciated for its silver weight, its stunning design, or its narrative strength, this round is a standout in the world of modern bullion, offering both substance and meaning in equal measure.