Texas Sesquicentennial Commemoratives
The 1985-86 Alamo Silver Round, Texas Sesquicentennial, is a 1 oz .999 fine silver commemorative depicting The Alamo and bearing the inscription “Remember the Alamo.” These rounds were issued in both years with 1985 and 1986 respectively on the reverse. The reverse depicts the façade of the Alamo Mission in San Antonio, honoring the 150th anniversary of the Texas Revolution. The piece was produced during the Texas Sesquicentennial year. The striking mint is not documented.
The Alamo is significant because it became the defining symbol of sacrifice and resistance in the Texas Revolution. In March 1836, a small Texian force held the former mission, in current day San Antonio, against a much larger Mexican army for 13 days before being overwhelmed. Although the defenders were killed, the event galvanized support for independence and inspired the rallying cry “Remember the Alamo!” which fueled Texian morale and resolve leading to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. The Alamo thus represents not merely a military defeat, but a foundational moment in Texas identity centered on courage, defiance, and the pursuit of self-governance.
Details
| Year | 1985-86 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Manufacturer / Mint | World Wide Mint (Bloomington, MN) |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | The obverse features a detailed rendering of the Alamo façade, including the iconic curved parapet, arched doorway, and masonry stonework. The inscription “Remember the Alamo…” appears across the upper field, referencing the rallying cry that followed the fall of the mission in March 1836. The commemorative date “1836 – 1986” is positioned below the structure, marking the 150th anniversary of the battle and Texas independence. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | The reverse carries a circular legend reading “.999 FINE SILVER” and “ONE TROY OUNCE.” Centered within a recessed matte 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, creating contrast with the textured interior field. |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 30.1 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1 |
| Diameter (mm) | 40.1 |
| Thickness (mm) | 2.85 |
| Attribution Notes | Unmarked examples are attributed to World Wide Mint, Inc. based on matching die characteristics and production style observed on confirmed WWM-marked rounds. Attribution is supported by physical evidence but not explicitly marked. |
| Notes | The obverse inscription echoes one of the most enduring rallying cries in Texas history. No explicit state authorization language appears on the piece. |