Texas Sesquicentennial Commemoratives
Overview
The 1985-86 Goliad Texas Silver Round – Texas Sesquicentennial – is a 1 oz .999 fine silver commemorative issued in anticipation of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial. These rounds were issued in both years with 1985 and 1986 respectively on the reverse. This piece honors the Goliad campaign and features a detailed architectural rendering of Mission Espíritu Santo at Goliad. The round appears to have been produced during the Texas Sesquicentennial period. The striking mint is not documented.
Goliad is remembered for the Goliad Massacre of March 27, 1836, during the Texas Revolution. After the Battle of Coleto, Colonel James Fannin and his Texian forces surrendered to Mexican General José de Urrea under terms they believed would grant parole and safe passage. Instead, by order of General Santa Anna, approximately 340 Texian prisoners were executed near Presidio La Bahía (now Goliad State Park). The event shocked Texian forces and fueled the rallying cry “Remember Goliad!” which, alongside “Remember the Alamo!”, became a unifying call for vengeance and resolve leading up to the decisive victory at the Battle of San Jacinto.
Details
| Year | 1985-86 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Manufacturer / Mint | World Wide Mint (Bloomington, MN) |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | The obverse depicts Mission Espíritu Santo at Goliad rendered in architectural detail, including the bell tower, façade cross, courtyard arches, and surrounding landscape elements. The inscription “GOLIAD” appears prominently across the upper field. Below the structure is the commemorative date “1836 – 1986,” marking the 150th anniversary of Texas Independence and the Goliad Campaign. Relief elements are frosted against mirrored fields, consistent with proof-like striking methods. |
| 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 presents raised lettering over reflective fields, while the central field displays a uniform fine texture that contrasts with the polished devices. |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.1 |
| 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 date of 1985 precedes the commemorative reverse date range of 1836–1986, suggesting production in advance of the official Sesquicentennial year. The round contains no language indicating state sponsorship or official authorization. |