1937 Proof Dime PR66+? Toning, PVC, Bronze Disease, and Safe Conservation
October 3, 20261916 Doubled-Die Buffalo Nickel, ICG G-06: Market Value, Acid Damage, and Crossing
October 3, 2026
Mistake #1: Buying Before You Know Exactly What You Have
We all make mistakes when we start collecting, but some mistakes are far more expensive than others. In my experience, the biggest risk comes from acting on an exciting rumor before confirming the coin, release date, mintage, and dealer price. That caution is especially important with a highly anticipated 2026 Mexican Silver Libertad.
Early reports point to a 1,000-gram Silver Libertad BU release in early September, with a reported worldwide mintage of just 300 pieces. Additional releases were expected later in September, including the one-ounce Silver Libertad BU, Gold Libertad BU, and Gold Libertad Reverse Proof. I would treat all of this as preliminary information until it appears in an official Banco de México or Casa de Moneda de México catalog. A “rare variety” label based on an unconfirmed report is not enough to establish numismatic value.
That distinction matters. Before assessing scarcity or mint condition, confirm the exact product. A standard Silver Libertad contains one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, weighs 31.1 grams, and measures approximately 40 millimeters. The series has also been offered in 2-ounce, 5-ounce, and kilo weights, while gold versions have different dimensions, weights, and prices. Once identification is settled, examine strike, luster, patina, eye appeal, and any documented provenance.
- BU means Brilliant Uncirculated. It describes an uncirculated mint finish, not a numerical grade; an attractive coin can still show weak strike, surface marks, or other issues that affect its grade and collectibility.
- Reverse Proof
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