Aztec Coins: Myths and Artifacts of an Ancient Empire

Lost civilizations are always captivating to explore, especially when once the greatest empires fall and vanish into extinction in the end. However, the relics of their times are still here, and exploring them may be quite fascinating. What if something new is yet to be discovered? 

The trading system and currency of the Aztecs represent a sophisticated machine that cannot come down to coins and banknotes only. It is about the traditional but elaborate mechanisms of relations and the practical application of these items. Identify coins and know the history of the world with us!

Peculiar Nature of the Aztec Currency

Unlike other ancient civilizations, the Aztecs established a currency system (do not confuse it with ancient Egypt coins!) that mainly relied on their natural resources rather than precious metals. The economy of this area was based on barter yet they also established standardized units of exchange that held intrinsic value and could be potentially seen as coins or banknotes. These were cacao beans, cotton cloth, copper tools, and some metal plates, each with a distinct function in trade and taxation.

Perishability: The most commonly used small-scale currency was cacao beans, which were both edible and valuable. Similarly, the worth of cotton fabric, or "quachtli", varied according to its size, which served as a symbol of prosperity. Although this cloth-based currency was more durable than cacao, it was still very different from the metal coins that were used in Asia and Europe.  

Role in Both Trade and Tribute: Under the extensive tribute system that the Empire had to use, conquered areas were forced to pay taxes in goods rather than coins. These contributions, which frequently included food, clothing, and cacao, were documented in intricate codices, which shows the well-organized character of the Aztec economic system. 

Practicality: Indeed, every unit of currency had a direct purpose beyond its monetary worth. Aztec money was intricately linked to daily life, trade, and government, whether it was through the use of copper, the warmth of cotton fabric, or the nourishment offered by cacao.

What Could Be Considered an Aztec Coin?

One may wonder what could be seen as an ancient Aztec coin if they did not produce any. Well, the question is rather complicated. Although the Aztecs never produced coins as European nations did, they had a sophisticated system of commodity money that allowed their economy to run smoothly.

Commodity-Based Exchange

As we have mentioned before, the Aztecs adopted a commodity-based system in which things with inherent worth were used as money instead of metal coins. Among the most prominent types of Aztec currency were cacao beans, cotton cloth (i.e., quachtli), and different metal tools, as well as people themselves.  

Tajaderas

Tajaderas, or copper hoe money, was one of the most interesting types of Aztec currency since it was closer to the European-like units of currency than anything else. These big, thin copper pieces in the shape of axes have frequently been mistaken for early money. But in reality, they served as a means of exchange for high-value transactions. They can be characterized by the following:

• standardized shape and size;

• suitable for high-value transactions;

• a fixed worth of 8,000 cacao seeds;

• no inscriptions, denominations, or official minting marks.

Spanish Coins

The Aztec economy underwent an enormous transformation in 1519 with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. Following the invasion in 1521, the Spanish introduced European-style coins in place of native currencies, which was a tragic moment for the local culture and their legacy. The Spanish colonial economy relied on silver and gold reales (real Aztec gold coins in this respect), which is why these were the first traditionally accepted currencies to be introduced there. 

Here are other rare gold dollar coins worth money.

Modern "Aztec Coins"

These days, there appear numerous variations that have been produced with Aztec-inspired designs. Although they can be fine and aesthetically appealing, these coins have no historical significance or actual relevance to the Aztec civilization. Here are a few prominent examples: 

• The Aztec Empire 1oz Silver Coin (Cook Islands). A high-relief silver coin featuring Aztec-inspired artwork, but issued as a collector’s piece rather than a historic currency.  

• Aztec Calendar 1oz Silver Round (USA). A privately minted bullion round depicting the famous Sun Stone, though it has no legal tender status.  

• Mexican Libertad Coin. Though not explicitly Aztec, these coins reflect Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage and feature imagery reminiscent of indigenous civilizations. 

How Not to Fall into the Trap of History? 

When exploring historical currencies like those of the Aztecs, it is simple to make mistakes or rely on false information rather than trustworthy resources. Particularly when contemporary viewpoints are applied to old systems, blank spots in history may lay the foundation for speculation, myths, and misunderstandings. The concept of real Aztec coins is a perfect example. While the Aztecs had a well-developed economy, they never manufactured money in the way European civilizations did. 

To avoid historical inaccuracies, it is essential to: 

1. Verify Sources: Before accepting any claim, always check a few reliable sources, including numismatic databases, museum collections, and academic research.  

2. Beware of Modern Misrepresentations: Although Aztec artwork is visible on many commemorative coins today, these are not the same as pieces of the ancient coinage.  

3. Use Reliable Identification Tools: Current technology may help one guarantee accuracy while examining coins, artifacts, or numismatic collections in general.  

We recommend that you try Coin ID Scanner, an innovative application for coin identification and collection management. With the use of professional-grade equipment, one may stay out of historical traps and become a confident collector:

• Instantly identify coins based on images and detailed AI-driven analysis.

• Access historical data and verify the authenticity of coins.

• Differentiate between genuine historical pieces and modern collectibles.

• Keep track of your collection and manage it on time. 

• Communicate with other collectors and get involved in the network of enthusiasts from all over the globe.    

Our history is a puzzle with missing pieces, and the concept of Aztec coins may be misleading at first. Anyway, do not neglect distant cultures, explore their artifacts, and uncover the truth hidden behind every coin. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.legendsandchronicles.com/ancient-civilizations/the-ancient-aztecs/aztec-economy-trade-and-currency

2. https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/kids/aztec-money