Texas Trade Unit 1 oz Silver Round
Overview
The 2014 Port Isabel Texas Lighthouse – South Padre Island “Texas Trade Unit” is a privately issued one-troy-ounce .999 fine silver round depicting the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast. The round features a Texas star with state outline obverse and a maritime lighthouse scene reverse.
Based on current research and collector testimony, the issue is strongly attributed to local Port Isabel historian Rod Bates, likely commissioned as a regional souvenir bullion piece for distribution through local channels such as the Rio Bravo Gallery and/or museum-adjacent outlets.
This issue represents a small, undocumented Texas landmark bullion release, not part of any formally cataloged mint series.
Historical Context
The Port Isabel Lighthouse, constructed in 1852, is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Texas coast and a prominent historical landmark in Cameron County. Its selection reflects the broader trend of Texas landmark-themed bullion rounds produced for regional tourism markets.
The “Texas Trade Unit” format aligns with private bullion traditions in which rounds are marketed as tradeable silver units rather than legal tender coinage.
Manufacturer (Unattributed)
No mint mark or documented manufacturer.
Likely struck by a U.S. contract private mint producing small-run bullion rounds during the 2005–2015 period. Candidates include:
- Northwest Territorial Mint
- Highland Mint
- other private contract facilities
Attribution remains unconfirmed pending die-style or documentary evidence.
Die Characteristics
- Prooflike mirrored fields
- Frosted central devices (star and lighthouse)
- Standard industrial reeded edge
- No privy marks or serial numbering
The obverse appears to utilize a generic Texas star trade-unit die, potentially paired with custom reverse engraving.
Distribution
Likely distributed locally through:
- Rio Bravo Gallery (Port Isabel)
- Port Isabel / South Padre Island tourist outlets
- Possible museum-adjacent retail channels
No evidence of national bullion distribution.
Details
| Year | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Manufacturer / Mint | Unknown Mint |
| Issuer | Unknown Mint |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Rod Bates (Port Isabel, Texas) |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | The reverse depicts the Port Isabel Lighthouse, with a sailing vessel offshore and coastal waters in the foreground. The design captures the maritime setting of the Lower Laguna Madre and Gulf approach. Legend: “PORT ISABEL – SOUTH PADRE ISLAND” Date: 2014 |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | A large five-point Texas star dominates the field. At the center appears the geographic outline of the State of Texas. Surrounding legend reads: “TEXAS TRADE UNIT”. Lower legend: “.999 FINE SILVER 1 TROY OUNCE”. The design reflects a generic bullion “trade unit” format adapted to Texas iconography. |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.22 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1.1 |
| Diameter (mm) | 39.09 |
| Thickness (mm) | 3.04 |
| Attribution Notes | The 2014 Port Isabel silver round is attributed to Port Isabel historical advocate Rod Eric Bates (d. 2021), who was active in local heritage promotion at the time of issue and is believed to have commissioned and distributed the piece through regional dealer channels. |
| Notes | Research Notes: The “Texas Trade Unit” inscription is extremely uncommon in Texas exonumia. No formal series has been documented; this may represent a standalone issue or part of a very small landmark group. Attribution to Rod Bates is based on collector testimony consistent with his documented role in local historical and artifact distribution. |