Aztec Calendar Sun Stone Sterling Silver Commemorative Round
Coin/Bullion and Decorative Art · Varies by mint; frequently produced by Golden State Mint or Chautauqua Silver Works. Known as 'Mexican Art Silver' or 'Art Bullion'.
Pattern: Aztec Calendar / Sun Stone (Piedra del Sol) series. Various versions produced since the early 21st century.
Type
Coin/Bullion and Decorative Art
Maker
Varies by mint; frequently produced by Golden State Mint or Chautauqua Silver Works. Known as 'Mexican Art Silver' or 'Art Bullion'.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or Fine Silver (.999) depending on the mint. The high-contrast finish suggests a silver base with chemical oxidation (niello-style) or enamel inlay.
Dimensions
Standard 39mm to 40mm diameter; weight typically ranges from 31.1 grams (1 Troy Ounce) to 2 Troy Ounces.
Description
A stunning high-contrast silver round that reimagines the Aztec Sun Stone within a burst of sixteen alternating straight and wavy sun rays. The central medallion depicts Tonatiuh, the sun god, surrounded by glyphs representing the four previous eras. The deep black recessed fields create a dramatic silhouette effect, highlighting the meticulous detail of the surrounding glyph border.
Key Features
Alternating 'flame' and 'dagger' rays; high-contrast 'Black and White' finish; central Tonatiuh mask; reeded edge; 20 peripheral glyphs.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or Fine Silver (.999) depending on the mint. The high-contrast finish suggests a silver base with chemical oxidation (niello-style) or enamel inlay.
Finish & Decoration
Combination of satin-finished raised elements and deep black oxidized (patinated) recessed fields. High-relief die-striking featuring the Aztec Sun Stone center, 16 sun rays, and a border of Mayan/Aztec glyphs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the reverse side or edge with purity (925 or 999), weight (e.g., 1 Troy Ounce), and the mint's hallmark or 'MEXICO' if produced in Taxco.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck bullion piece. The high relief is achieved through multiple strikes of a high-pressure hydraulic press. The edge is reeded.
Functional Features
Primarily a collector's investment coin or decorative pocket piece; reeded edges identify it as a bullion-style object.
Handle & Grip Details
None; round numismatic form. Designed for hand-held viewing or display in a capsule.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-work; the precision of the glyphs and the symmetry of the sun rays indicate advanced 3D CAD/CAM minting technology.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck crispness; reeded edge consistency; specific weight measurements. High relief depth is hard to replicate via casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Mexico (Taxco or Mexico City) or a private mint in the USA. Taxco is the world capital for such high-relief silver decorative coins.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (21st Century). Design is a Neo-Pre-Columbian revival of ancient Mesoamerican iconography.
Age Estimate
Circa 2010 to present. The crispness of the laser-etched dies and the modern chemical oxidation finish are indicators of recent production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of modern numismatic technology with ancient Mexican heritage; serves as a symbol of identity and the cyclical nature of time.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. Minor surface 'milk spots' or light scratches on high points are common for bullion handled without gloves. No significant dents.
Value Estimate
$40 - $95 USD depending on the silver spot price, troy weight, and specific maker rarity.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use chemical dips; they will remove the intentional black oxidation. Clean with a soft lint-free cloth and store in an airtight acrylic capsule.
Similar Pieces
Mexican Libertad Bullion Coin (official government issue), Libertad 2oz High Relief coins, and Golden State Mint Aztec Calendar 1oz Rounds (usually all silver, no black oxidation).
Interesting Facts
The Sun Stone depicted was a monolithic sculpture carved by the Aztecs in the early 16th century and was discovered in 1790 in Mexico City's Zocalo.