The 1973 Texas Rangers Commemorative Silver Round was privately issued to mark the 150th anniversary of the Texas Rangers (1823–1973). Struck in 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver by W.N.W. Mint Industries, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas, the round features a frontier scene based on artwork by noted Texas artist Joe Ruiz Grandee, depicting Capt. L. H. McNelly with mounted Rangers in the background. The reverse displays a large Texas star within a wreath and commemorative legends. Identified by the WNW mint mark on the obverse and edge-marked “.999 FINE,” the piece is one of the earliest and most historically significant Texas-themed private silver rounds of the modern bullion era.
Historical Significance
The 1973 Texas Rangers Commemorative Silver Round was issued during the Texas Rangers Sesquicentennial, marking the 150th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 1823. The anniversary was widely recognized across Texas through publications, exhibitions, and commemorative items celebrating the Rangers’ legacy as one of the most enduring law enforcement bodies in American history.
Originally organized under Stephen F. Austin to protect settlers in Mexican Texas, the Rangers evolved into a frontier defense force and later into an elite investigative division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, while maintaining strong cultural significance in Texas history and identity.
The 1973 anniversary renewed public interest in Ranger history and led to the production of commemorative medals and privately issued silver rounds such as this example. Numismatically, the piece reflects the broader 1970s rise of privately issued silver commemoratives, as collectors sought bullion items tied to historical and regional themes.
As an early Texas-themed silver round, it represents both a tribute to the Rangers’ 150-year legacy and an early entry in the development of modern Texas historical bullion issues.
Captain L. H. McNelly (1844–1877)
Captain Leander Harvey McNelly (1844–1877) was one of the most formidable and controversial officers in Texas Ranger history. A veteran of the American Civil War, McNelly later organized and commanded a special Ranger force known as the “Special Force” or “McNelly’s Rangers” in the early 1870s. Operating primarily along the Texas–Mexico border, his unit was tasked with suppressing rampant cattle rustling, banditry, and cross-border raids that local authorities had been unable to control.
McNelly’s leadership was defined by aggressive tactics and strict discipline. His Rangers pursued stolen livestock deep into disputed territory and were known for decisive, often uncompromising action. These methods proved effective in restoring order in South Texas but also drew criticism for operating beyond strict legal boundaries, contributing to McNelly’s lasting reputation as both a lawman and a controversial figure.
Despite suffering from tuberculosis for much of his career, McNelly maintained command and achieved significant results in a short period of service. He died at the age of 33, but his impact on the Texas Rangers was substantial. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in establishing the Rangers’ reputation for toughness and effectiveness during the turbulent post–Civil War frontier period.
About the Artist – Joe Ruiz Grandee
Joe Ruiz Grandee is a distinguished Texas Western artist best known for his historically accurate depictions of frontier life, Texas Rangers, and Southwestern heritage. In 1971, he was formally designated the First Official Texas State Artist, a landmark recognition of his role in preserving Texas history through art.
Grandee’s career brought national attention through major exhibitions and honors. His work was displayed in programs sponsored by the U.S. State Department and the University of Texas, with exhibitions in both the United States and Japan. In 1972, one of his Texas Ranger paintings was presented to Richard Nixon in connection with the Rangers’ 150th anniversary. The Franklin Mint later recognized him with awards for Outstanding Painting of American Western Art and named him among the twelve most outstanding Western artists. He was also the first Western artist invited to exhibit in the U.S. Capitol Building.
Grandee’s long-term legacy was cemented with his induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2012, where he was honored for his lifetime contribution to preserving the spirit and history of the American West. His artwork remains closely tied to Texas heritage, making him a fitting choice for the 1973 Texas Ranger Sesquicentennial commemorative program.
Details
| Year | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | WNW |
| Manufacturer / Mint | WNW Mint Industries, Inc. (Amarillo, TX) |
| Issuer | WNW Mint Industries, Inc. (Amarillo, TX) |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Original Artwork / Design Source – Joe Ruiz Grandee |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | Depicts a standing Texas Ranger holding a rifle beside a saddled horse, with two mounted Rangers in the background. Legend: “TEXAS RANGER SESQUICENTENNIAL / 1823 / 1973.” Additional elements: small “OC” mark at left field; “WNW” mint mark at lower right. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | Features a large five-pointed Texas star within a wreath, surrounded by commemorative legends: “STATE OF TEXAS – TEXAS RANGER COMMEMORATIVE – 1823 • 1973” |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | .999 FINE |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.1 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1 |
| Diameter (mm) | 40 |
| Thickness (mm) | 2.75 |
| Attribution Notes | Struck by W.N.W. Mint Industries, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas. Attribution supported by the WNW obverse mint mark and contemporary program documentation. |
| Notes | The 1973 Texas Rangers Sesquicentennial commemorative program was issued in multiple formats. In addition to the 1 oz .999 fine silver round, a bronze counterpart was produced, along with a two-coin set format. A parallel line of sterling silver plates featuring the same Joe Ruiz Grandee artwork was also issued. |