1975 Palo Duro Canyon 10th Anniversary Silver Round
The obverse depicts a mounted cowboy carrying the Texas flag. Surrounding inscriptions read "1966 TEXAS 1975" and "10th Anniversary," commemorating the first decade of the TEXAS outdoor musical. The design is signed "Jim Ward."
The reverse features a scenic depiction of Palo Duro Canyon framed by the inscriptions "PALO DURO CANYON" and "RANDALL COUNTY." The design highlights the canyon landscape that serves as the setting for the TEXAS production and is signed "Jim Ward."
Overview
The 1975 Palo Duro Canyon 10th Anniversary Silver Round commemorates the tenth anniversary of TEXAS, the outdoor musical drama performed in Palo Duro Canyon near Canyon, Texas. Struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and individually serial numbered on the edge, the round features original artwork by Texas western artist Jim Ward depicting both the TEXAS production and the landscape of Palo Duro Canyon.
The issue combines two iconic symbols of the Texas Panhandle: the long-running historical drama TEXAS and the dramatic canyon scenery that serves as its natural stage.
Historical Overview
The outdoor musical TEXAS premiered in 1966 in Palo Duro Canyon and quickly became one of Texas’ best-known historical productions. Performed in a natural amphitheater within the canyon, the show tells the story of settlement, ranching, frontier life, and the diverse cultural heritage of the Texas Panhandle.
The round bears the inscriptions “1966 TEXAS 1975” and “10th Anniversary,” marking the production’s first decade. Family correspondence from Gary Ward, son of artist Jim Ward, confirms that Ward was commissioned to create the medal artwork and indicates the issue was likely produced during activities associated with the Randall County Centennial observance of 1876–1976. The precise relationship between the two celebrations remains undocumented, but contemporary evidence suggests they were recognized during the same commemorative period.
About the Artist – Jim Ward
Jim Ward (1931–2012) was a Texas western artist based in Canyon, Texas, whose work focused on the people, history, and landscapes of the Texas Panhandle. His paintings and sculptures frequently depicted ranching scenes, horses, cowboys, and Palo Duro Canyon, subjects for which he became widely recognized throughout the region.
Ward’s background included rodeo work and firsthand experience with western ranch life, influences that contributed to the authenticity of his artwork. His long association with Palo Duro Canyon made him a natural choice to create the designs for this commemorative issue.
Family correspondence with Gary Ward (son) confirms that Jim Ward was commissioned to create the artwork used on the round.
Coin Notes
- Struck in gold, silver, and bronze formats.
- Silver examples contain one troy ounce of .999 fine silver.
- Individually serial numbered on the edge.
- Edge stamped with serial number and “.999 FS.”
- Signed “Jim Ward” on both obverse and reverse.
- Family correspondence confirms Jim Ward was commissioned to create the artwork.
- The issuing organization and manufacturing mint remain unidentified.
