Official Texas Bullion Program – CSM Mint Mark Variety
Overview
The 1986 State of Texas 1 oz Silver Round (CSM) is the first issue in the Texas-themed bullion series marketed under the Official Texas Bullion program and produced by Colonial Coins (Houston, Texas). This variety is identified by the CSM mint mark and represents one of the initial production groups released during the 1986 launch year. The design incorporates Texas independence imagery derived from the State Seal of Texas, presented in a reversed orientation across the obverse and reverse.
How to Identify This Round
The 1986 CSM variety is identified by the “CSM” mint mark located to the right of the central design and a distinct set of measurable die characteristics. A small star appears on each side of the date “1986.”
The Alamo façade displays ten total window openings plus the central doorway, consisting of four lower windows flanking the entrance, five windows across the middle level, and one small upper porthole-style opening centered above. The structure shows sharp architectural detail with clearly defined stonework and window framing.
The inscription “REMEMBER THE ALAMO – GOLIAD” appears above the Alamo and is sharply defined with clear, legible lettering. The word “GOLIAD” is partially truncated at the right edge, with the final letters cut off.
The Six Flags are rendered with strong detail. The French flag (left) shows distinct Fleur-de-lis elements. The Spanish flag displays a defined crown structure with visible jewel elements along the band. The Mexican flag shows clear interior design detail. The American flag (lower right) features distinct stars and separated stripes, rather than dot-style stars.
In the lower design, the cannon includes visible contour lines and definition, depicted in left-facing side profile with a tapered barrel, flared muzzle, and a spoked wheel field carriage with a defined central hub. The bridge shows structural support detail, and the river is deeply engraved with visible flowing lines.
The inscription “TEXAS ONE AND INDIVISIBLE” is sharply struck and fully legible.
Unique to the 1986 CSM Reverse Die: The reverse presents a formal, symmetrical decorative layout featuring eight acorns and four olives.
When these characteristics are observed together with the CSM mint mark, the round was made by Colonial Coins, Houston Texas, within the State of Texas Rounds collection.
Details
| Year | 1986 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Set/Collection | State of Texas Rounds (1986–1991) |
| Mint Mark | CSM |
| Manufacturer / Mint | Colonial Coins (Houston TX) |
| Issuer | Colonial Coins (Houston TX) |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | The obverse features a heraldic composition derived from the reverse of the State Seal of Texas, centered on the Alamo façade above a segmented shield depicting a cannon (Battle of Gonzales), Vince’s Bridge, and flowing water. Surrounding the shield are the Six Flags over Texas, arranged behind a wreath of olive and live oak branches. Above the Alamo appears the inscription “REMEMBER THE ALAMO – GOLIAD”, with a Lone Star flanked by “TEXAS” and “SILVER” at the top. Below, the banner reads “TEXAS ONE AND INDIVISIBLE”, with the date 1986 and CSM mint mark beneath. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse |
The reverse displays the State Seal of Texas, consisting of a single five-pointed Lone Star encircled by olive and live oak branches, with the inscription “THE STATE OF TEXAS.” The lower legend reads “ONE TROY OUNCE .999 FINE SILVER.” The design is clean and symmetrical, emphasizing the Lone Star as the central symbol of Texas identity and sovereignty. Unique to the 1986 CSM Die: The reverse presents a formal, symmetrical decorative layout featuring eight acorns and four olives. |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1 |
| Diameter (mm) | 39.3 |
| Thickness (mm) | 2.83 |
| Attribution Notes | The CSM mint mark is documented on 1986 State of Texas rounds and is attributed to Colonial Coins (Houston, Texas). Primary-source research, including firsthand accounts and direct interviews, confirms that these rounds were produced in-house using dedicated dies within Colonial Coins’ Houston operation. |
| Notes | The 1986 CSM issue represents an early and more detailed die style within the series, with stronger engraving across architectural, flag, and lower design elements. This variety is consistently observed with sharper strike characteristics when compared to later or alternate mint-marked issues. |