Boy Leading Horse
Overview
The 2009 Texas Silver Dollar – Boy Leading Horse was issued as part of the Texas Silver Dollar Collection by the Texas Mint & Mercantile, Whitney TX, continuing the annual program highlighting Texas heritage through modern private-mint silver rounds. This design represents one of the final issues in the long-running Texas Dollar program, capturing a quiet, symbolic moment of Texas rural life rather than a historical figure or emblem. The 2009 issue was the final round of the series and the Texas Mint and Mercantile.
The scene reflects themes of stewardship, youth, and the working relationship between Texans and the land—consistent with the series’ emphasis on heritage and identity.
Historical Context
The Boy Leading Horse design represents one of the final narrative-driven issues in the Texas Dollar series, which ran from 2000 through 2009. Unlike earlier coins that focused on iconic Texas symbols or historical themes, this piece highlights everyday life and generational continuity.
Following direct confirmation from Rick Pinner, this design corresponds to the 2009 issue, correcting earlier uncertainty that had placed it in 2010.
The Texas Mint ceased operations shortly thereafter, making this one of the last releases in the series.
Attribution Notes
- Confirmed by creator correspondence as the 2009 issue
- Originally associated with AJPM distribution channels
- Production attributed to an external mint partner (likely Washington Mint per creator recollection), though final striking facility remains unconfirmed
Series Significance
- Final-era Texas Dollar design
- Represents shift from symbolic to narrative imagery
- Lower visibility compared to earlier issues
- Important for completing full Texas Dollar series sets
Details
| Year | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Set/Collection | Texas Silver Dollar Collection |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Issuer | Texas Mint and Mercantile (Whitney, TX) |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Rick Pinner |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | A young boy is shown walking beside and guiding a horse along a fenced path. The horse is fully bridled, with detailed tack and reins visible. A wooden fence runs diagonally across the background, reinforcing the rural ranch setting. The ground texture is rendered with a pebbled or stippled finish, contrasting with the smoother relief of the figures. The composition emphasizes forward movement and control, with the boy positioned slightly ahead of the horse, holding the lead. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | A large central five-pointed star dominates the design, surrounded by a ring of smaller stars. The inscriptions read: TEXAS (upper arc) DOLLAR (lower arc). The layout reflects the “One Star State” identity, with the central star symbolizing Texas and the surrounding stars reinforcing unity and heritage. |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.1 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1 |
| Diameter (mm) | 39.1 |
| Thickness (mm) | 3.05 |
| Attribution Notes | Confirmed by creator correspondence as the 2009 issue. Originally associated with AJPM distribution channels. Production attributed to an external mint partner (likely Washington Mint per creator recollection), though final striking facility remains unconfirmed. |