Official U.S. Mint Commemorative Medal
Overview
1968 San Antonio HemisFair Medal is a commemorative issue marking the HemisFair ’68 international exposition and the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio, Texas. To mark this milestone, the United States Mint produced an official commemorative medal, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, featuring modernist artwork symbolic of unity, peace, and cultural convergence.
These medals represent one of the most important Texas-related U.S. Mint medal issues of the 20th century.
Historical Significance
HemisFair ’68 permanently reshaped downtown San Antonio and left lasting landmarks such as the Tower of the Americas and modern Hemisfair Park. These medals serve as tangible artifacts of Texas’ only officially recognized World’s Fair.
Details
| Year | 1968 |
|---|---|
| Type | Medal |
| Mintage Quantity | 13320 |
| Mint Mark | "P" Philadelphia Mint |
| Manufacturer / Mint | United States Mint |
| Issuer | United States Mint |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | A stylized hand holding the HemisFair emblem, symbolizing cooperation and the meeting of cultures. Legend: "HEMISFAIR 68" |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | A dove perched with wings extended, holding a ribbon, symbolizing peace and celebration. Legend: "250th ANNIVERSARY - SAN ANTONIO TEXAS", Many examples display a small "P" mintmark, identifying the Philadelphia Mint. |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Edge Inscription | Edge-numbered (only Proofs have serial numbers) |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .900 |
| Weight (grams) | 19.8 |
| Weight (troy oz) | .64 |
| Diameter (mm) | 33.75 |
| Thickness (mm) | 2.5 |
| Notes | Official U.S. Mint commemorative medal for Texas’ only World’s Fair. Often confused with privately minted HemisFair souvenirs; official pieces are identified by design, finish quality, and (on many examples) the “P” mintmark. The edge-numbered Proof silver medals are the most desirable and scarce, 5,000+ pieces, currently the highest documented in 5,682. Proof-Like silver medals were produced in larger quantities but retain strong collector interest, especially among Texas and World’s Fair specialists. Bronze medals provide an affordable official U.S. Mint alternative and are popular with regional collectors. |