What was Mexico chief value to the mother country in Mexico?

Answer 1

You mean to Spain? Mexico was the "jewel of the crown", providing 40% of the Spanish Empire's income since the mid 16th century until the early years of the 19th century. Its main resources were rich gold and silver mines, which are still productive to date. It is estimated that by the end of the 16th century, Spain had received the equivalent to US$1.5 trillion in gold and silver.