1985-86 Texas Lady Liberty Silver Round
The obverse depicts a classical female Liberty figure advancing forward, holding a pole in her left hand and extending a flowing banner in her right inscribed “LIBERTY OR DEATH.” Surrounding the central figure is a ring of stars, symbolizing Texas identity and independence. The commemorative dates “1836 1986” appear within the central cloud-like field. Relief is frosted against reflective background surfaces, consistent with proof-like striking.
The reverse carries a circular legend reading “.999 FINE SILVER” and “ONE TROY OUNCE.” Centered within a recessed, finely textured inner field is the date “1985” or "1986" positioned above a silhouette of the State of Texas. The outer ring is polished with raised lettering, contrasting with the matte interior field.
Texas Sesquicentennial Commemoratives
The 1985-86 Texas Lady Liberty Silver Round, Lady Liberty is a 1 oz .999 fine silver Texas Sesquicentennial commemorative issued in advance of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial celebrations. These rounds were issued in both years with 1985 and 1986 respectively on the reverse. The reverse features an allegorical female Liberty figure holding a banner inscribed “LIBERTY OR DEATH,” referencing the Texas Revolution. The piece was likely produced in advance of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial.
The female Liberty figure represents the Texas’ struggle for independence during the 1835–1836 Revolution. Borrowed from broader American symbolism, the figure was adapted to express Texian resistance to centralized Mexican authority and the pursuit of self-governance. When paired with phrases such as “Liberty or Death,” she becomes a direct visual reference to the revolutionary spirit that defined battles like Gonzales, Goliad, and San Jacinto, linking Texas independence to the larger tradition of Anglo-American republican ideals.
