Mexican Silver Hallmarks and Makers

Above is a sampling of Mexican silver purity marks ranging from the ca.1900 to the early 1970's. The "Mexico Silver" or "Silver Made in Mexico" are seen on pieces from the 1920's through mid 1940's, their silver standard varies, but is commonly above .925 purity.

The following number marks indicate silver purity in a percentage of 1000ths. The intaglio "900" mark is found on work dating from the turn of the century until the 1920's. The intaglio marks "980, 960, 940 & 925" are usually from the mid 1930's to the mid 1940's. The incuse mark "970" was the favorite standard of Antonio Pineda. Most work from ca.1950 onwards is stamped "Sterling" or with an incuse "925" stamp. The "Eagle" form marks to the right were instituted by the Mexican government in 1948. The first example (delineated) was used until ca.1955, the second example (silhouetted) until the late 1960's or early 1970's.

The number on the eagle's chest indicates either the city of assay or an individual maker. (eg. Eagle stamp #1 was for Mexico City, stamp #3 was for Taxco, stamp #16 was registered to Margot). There are many variations and exceptions, the above info just provides a general framework to a loose system.

Individual Maker's Marks are illustrated below.

Hector Aguilar
Taxco