OVERVIEW
1961 Alamo 125th Anniversary Medal is a sterling silver commemorative issued to mark the 125th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo, the pivotal 1836 conflict during the Texas Revolution. This sterling silver medal was produced by Shawnee Hills Medalists of Harrisburg, Illinois as a historical souvenir and collector’s piece. The medal features a detailed depiction of the Alamo mission on the obverse, with crossed rifles symbolizing the Texian defenders, and a long-form memorial inscription on the reverse honoring the men who held out for thirteen days against overwhelming forces.
Struck in .925 sterling silver, edge-stamped STERLING and 49, and housed in its original presentation case, this medal represents a classic example of early-1960s American historical commemoratives. Unlike later bullion-style Alamo rounds, this issue was intended for educational and memorial purposes rather than silver investment, making it an important artifact of Texas heritage collecting.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) stands as one of the defining events in Texas history. Though the Texian defenders were ultimately defeated by the Mexican army under General Antonio López de Santa Anna, their stand galvanized resistance across Texas and became a rallying cry—“Remember the Alamo!”—that directly contributed to victory at San Jacinto and the establishment of the Republic of Texas.
This 1961 commemorative medal reflects mid-20th-century efforts to preserve and promote Texas history through medallic art. Its unusually long reverse inscription emphasizes sacrifice, perseverance, and independence, framing the Alamo not merely as a battle, but as a foundational moment in the creation of the Lone Star Republic. As a sterling silver souvenir issued during the centennial-era revival of Texas heritage interest, the medal bridges public history, private collecting, and patriotic remembrance.
Details
| Year | 1961 |
|---|---|
| Type | Medal |
| Mint Mark | none |
| Manufacturer / Mint | Shawnee Hills Medalists (Harrisburg, IL) |
| Issuer | Shawnee Hills Medalists (Harrisburg, IL) |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | Depiction of the Alamo mission façade with crossed long rifles in the foreground; legends read “THE BATTLE OF THE ALAMO” and “125th ANNIVERSARY,” with dates “1836 • 1961.” |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | Laurel wreath enclosing a long-form memorial inscription honoring the Alamo defenders; below the inscription is an outline of the State of Texas with a vertical sword. |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Edge Inscription | STERLING; 49 |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .925 Sterling |
| Weight (grams) | 24.07 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 0.716 |
| Diameter (mm) | 3839 |
| Thickness (mm) | 2 |
| Notes | Sterling silver commemorative medal issued as a historical souvenir. Edge stamped “STERLING” and “49.” Original plastic presentation case with printed insert identifying Shawnee Hills Medalists. |