2004 Republic of Texas One Twentieth Texas Shekel
The obverse features a large five-point Lone Star at the center, symbolizing Texas independence and sovereignty. Surrounding the star is the denomination "1/20", with the letters of TEXAS arranged around the central design. An inner circular border separates the center from the outer legend. The outer ring bears the inscription "ONE TWENTIETH TEXAS SHEKEL", "PURE" "SILVER" and "OVERTON", with decorative longhorn skull motifs are positioned around the outer border, reinforcing the coin's Texas theme. The inner ring says "ONE TWENTIETH TEXAS SHEKEL".
The reverse depicts a Lone Star within a wreath surrounded by the inscription REPUBLIC OF TEXAS. The denomination 1 GERAH .999 appears within the design, while the lower border bears the inscription THE GREAT NATION.
Overview
The 2004 Republic of Texas One Twentieth Texas Shekel Silver Coin is an early monetary issue of the Republic of Texas Interim Government. Announced on November 14, 2004, the coin was issued through the Republic of Texas Treasury and described as part of the organization’s monetary system. Surviving specimens identify the denomination as 1 Gerah, equivalent to One Twentieth Texas Shekel, and feature inscriptions linking the coin directly to the Republic of Texas monetary program operated from Overton, Texas.
Historical Context
Following the establishment of the Republic of Texas Interim Government in 2003, the organization undertook efforts to establish governmental institutions, including a treasury, a seat of government in Overton, Texas, and a silver-based monetary system. The first documented monetary issue was the 8 Gram Silver Round introduced in 2003. In November 2004, the organization announced the arrival of a new fractional silver coin intended for circulation within that system.
The coin was introduced during a Houston rally and distributed through the Republic of Texas Capitol Building in Overton, Texas. Contemporary announcements established an exchange rate of $1.25 per coin and $70.00 per roll of fifty-six coins.
Coin Notes
- Announced November 14, 2004.
- Issued by the Republic of Texas Interim Government Treasury.
- Denominated as One Twentieth Texas Shekel.
- Reverse identifies the denomination as 1 Gerah .999.
- Distributed through the Republic of Texas Capitol Building in Overton, Texas.
- Contemporary announcements described the issue as containing 1.5 grams of silver and based upon a 30 Gram Texas Standard.
- The relationship between the announced 1.5 gram specification and surviving specimens remains an area for additional research.
- Represents one of the earliest documented monetary issues of the Republic of Texas Interim Government.
