Panda America Offers One of the World’s Largest Coins Featuring Mexican Archaeological Treasure

Torrance, CA, September 06, 2009 --(PR.com)-- 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 99.9% puresilver 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.

For further information contact Panda America at (800) 472-6327 or visit their website www.pandaamerica.com.

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