Cap and Rays
1874 ・ silver ・ 19th century ・ Mexico City Mint
The Republic established the face of its currency by decree—the congressional decree of April 14, 1823. The obverse features an eagle holding a snake on a cactus, with the legend 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA'. The reverse features a design known as the 'Cap and Rays', with rays of light emanating from a Phrygian cap inscribed with the word 'LIBERTAD'. However, its specifications—a fineness of 0.9027 and a weight of approximately 27.07 grams—were inherited directly from the colonial-era 8 Reales. Though the imagery was new, on the scales, nothing changed. The silver standard trusted by the world for 300 years was the fledgling republic's greatest asset.