Lot #653: Mexico 1982 Twenty Peso Coin - Eagle Cactus Snake - Maya Ball Player ("Jugador de Pelota") - Protective Gear - "CULTURA MAYA" - $20

Obverse: Features the National Emblem of Mexico: A Mexican golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a snake. This image is rooted in the Aztec legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan. Below the eagle is a half-wreath of oak (representing strength) and laurel (representing victory). Lettering: ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS (United Mexican States). Reverse: Dedicated to Maya Culture, with a design rich in archaeological detail: The Figure depicts a Maya Ball Player ("Jugador de Pelota") wearing traditional protective gear (heavy belts and knee pads). He is shown in motion, likely striking the solid rubber ball used in the ritualistic Mesoamerican ballgame. The player is enclosed within a ring that mimics the stone hoops found in ancient ball courts like those at Chichén Itzá. The inscription includes the denomination "20", the year 1982, the mint mark M, and the text "CULTURA MAYA". In addition, this large coin features an incuse edge inscription: "INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD" ("Independence and Liberty"). This Mexico 1982 Twenty Peso Coin is a large, impressive coin that belongs to the "Mesoamerican Cultures" series. It is highly regarded by collectors for its artistic depiction of indigenous history and its substantial physical presence, and is frequently kept as a "pocket piece" or souvenir because of the attractive Maya design. Dimensions: Copper-Nickel. 32.06 mm (Larger than a half-dollar). 15.2 g (A very heavy coin, roughly the weight of three Canadian quarters) Pickup category timeslot {A}