Mint, Distributor, and Coin Dealer
Overview
Lone Star Mint is a Texas private mint and commemorative coin venture based in Plano, Texas, with minting activities active during the mid-to-late 1980s. The company is documented through original packaging, mint-marked coins, Texas corporate filings, and surviving silver issues tied to the 1986–1988 period. Lone Star Mint operated within the broader Texas private mint network of the 1980s (see the Texas Mints guide).
Lone Star Mint is best known for producing Texas-themed .999 fine silver rounds and proof sets issued during and after the Texas Sesquicentennial. The company continues to operate today as a coin and precious metals shop under the same name.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Plano, Texas |
| Mint Mark | LSM |
| Confirmed Issue Period | 1986–1988 |
| Business Roles | Manufacturing Mint, Distributor, Coin Dealer |
| Founder | Mark R. Schroeder |
| Artist | Steve Rogers |
Corporate History
Lone Star Mint, Inc. was incorporated in Texas in 1983. State filings used a Fort Worth registered office associated with S. C. Cocanower, now identified as a certified public accountant. This strongly suggests the Fort Worth address served as the corporate formation and administrative office rather than the operating mint location.
Later records place the active business in Plano, Texas.
Locations and Operations
Original mint operations, used on original sales materials (1980’s):
1804 Avenue G
Plano, Texas 75074
Current retail Coin Shop location (relocated here in 1995):
805 East 15th Street
Plano, Texas 75074
While later known primarily as a retail coin and bullion dealer, primary evidence and owner confirmation establish that Lone Star Mint participated directly in the production and distribution of Texas commemorative rounds during the Sesquicentennial era. The business relocated within Plano in 1995 and continues to operate today as a coin and precious metals shop under the same name.
Leadership
- Mark R. Schroeder — founder, co-owner, President/Treasurer
- Gail Christopher — co-owner, Vice President, current operations
- Steve Rogers — artist
- Outside engraver(s) reportedly used for dies
Mark Schroeder – the Vision Behind Lone Star Mint
Mark R. Schroeder was the founder and guiding force behind Lone Star Mint, helping build the company into one of the more recognizable Texas private mints of the 1980s. Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1951, Schroeder served as an Army officer in the 101st Airborne Division before relocating to Plano in 1981 to begin a career with Texas Instruments, later Raytheon.
While maintaining his full-time professional career, Schroeder also pursued his interest in history and commemorative silver through Lone Star Mint, where he served as founder and co-owner. He helped shape the historical themes and direction behind many of the mint’s best-known issues. Schroeder remained active in his church and community throughout his life and was remembered for his service and leadership. He passed away in 2015.
Steve Rogers and the Design Process
Steve Rogers of McKinney, Texas was the artist for Lone Star Mint during its commemorative minting years. Credited on original sales literature and confirmed by the current owner, Rogers created the artwork for multiple Lone Star Mint silver issues produced from 1986 through 1988.
Rogers stated that Mark Schroeder would present the historical subjects or concepts he wanted developed, and Rogers would create the finished pencil artwork. Those drawings were then sent to an outside engraver for conversion into production dies.
Attribution Markers
Coins attributed to Lone Star Mint are commonly identified by:
- LSM mint mark
- Proof or proof-like finish
- Texas-history themes
- Consistent portrait-style designs on several series
- Original packaging naming Lone Star Mint as producer
Known Programs
- The Silver Coins of Texas (1986)
- Heroes of the Alamo Series (1986)
- Presidents of the Republic of Texas (1987)
- RMS Titanic 75th Anniversary round (1987)
- Yellow Rose of Texas silver round (1988)
Historical Significance
Lone Star Mint was a documented North Texas Private Mint active during the 1980s commemorative silver boom. Its surviving programs and corporate records provide rare evidence for a regional Texas minting operation of the Sesquicentennial era.
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