Texas Mint and Mercantile, Whitney, TX
Overview
The Texas Silver Dime Collection is a series of small .999 fine silver rounds issued by Texas Mint and Mercantile in Whitney, Texas.
Although denominated “10¢,” the coins were not intended to circulate as currency. Instead, they were produced as collectible silver pieces and jewelry items, celebrating Texas wildlife and natural heritage.
The series consists of four designs, each depicting a different animal associated with Texas ecosystems. All issues share a standardized reverse design and identical basic specifications.
The smaller format was intentional: while the Texas Dollar rounds were one troy ounce pieces, the dimes were created as a more compact alternative, approximately the size of a U.S. nickel. This size made them well suited for women’s pendant necklaces, an important part of the program’s original market.
Standard Reverse Design
All coins in the Texas Silver Dime Collection share a common reverse:
At the center appears a large five-pointed Texas star. Within a circular medallion in the middle of the star appears the denomination, 10¢. The surrounding legend reads: THE LONE STAR STATE TEXAS arranged around the perimeter. Beneath the star appears a small heart symbol, a subtle artistic element intentionally incorporated into many Texas Mint designs as a recurring motif within the Texas Dollar and Texas Silver Dime programs.
Texas Silver Dime Collection
Dragonfly Silver Dime
The Dragonfly Dime features a dragonfly with extended wings rendered in detailed relief. Dragonflies are common around Texas lakes, rivers, and stock tanks and symbolize the state’s freshwater environments.
Horned Toad Silver Dime
The Horny Toad Dime depicts the Texas horned lizard, often called a “horny toad.” This reptile is one of the most recognizable animals of the Texas landscape and a nostalgic symbol for many Texans.
Quail Silver Dime
The Quail Dime portrays a Northern Bobwhite quail, a bird strongly associated with Texas ranchlands and grasslands. The species has long been part of Texas hunting traditions and rural life.
Hummingbird Silver Dime
The Hummingbird Dime shows a hummingbird in flight, capturing the delicate motion of one of the smallest and most colorful birds found across Texas gardens and wildflower habitats.
The Texas Silver Dollar Collection
The Texas Silver Dimes were produced alongside the Texas Dollar / Texas Silver Dollar program (2000–2009). While the larger coins featured historical and cultural themes from Texas heritage, the dime series focused on Texas wildlife and natural imagery.
Together, the two programs formed a cohesive body of work reflecting Rick Pinner’s vision of celebrating Texas identity through collectible silver art.
| Design | Theme |
|---|---|
| Dragonfly | Texas freshwater wildlife |
| Horny Toad | Texas horned lizard |
| Quail | Northern Bobwhite quail |
| Hummingbird | Texas birdlife |
