Mexico City – According to the Bank of Mexico, five silver coins bearing images of the architectural complex of Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, went on sale on Monday, July 9th. The coins are being sold as a series, the central bank said.

Chichen Itza’s historical importance has been recognized by previous numismatic programs in Mexico, with the Maya Collection of gold and silver coins being issued in 1993 as part of the Pre-Columbian Series. Collectors around the world welcomed that issue. Also, the backs of 1,000-peso bills printed years ago by American Bank Note Company featured Chichen Itza’s famous El Castillo pyramid.

The new silver coins bear images of different Mayan monuments at Chichen Itza, such as the Pyramid of Kulkulcan. "These coins will continue spreading awareness of the richness of Mayan culture and architecture," the bank said.

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico; an estimated 1.2 million tourists visit the ruins every year. It which was built between 435 and 455, and was a major focal point in the northern Maya lowlands. The city was the heart of Mayan civilization between 750 and 1200 and may have had the most diverse population in the Maya world, which could explain why it exhibits such a multitude of architectural styles.

The new commemorative coins also have the numbers 070707 on the reverse to mark the date that Chichen Itza was selected, based on a global poll, as one of the new seven wonders of the world.

"The coins should be popular with both collectors and the general public due to their beauty and cultural significance," the central bank said.