Texas Sesquicentennial Commemoratives
The 1985-86 Texas Liberty Flag silver round is a 1 oz .999 fine silver Texas Sesquicentennial commemorative issued in anticipation of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial. These rounds were issued in both years with 1985 and 1986 respectively on the reverse. The reverse features the historic “Liberty Flag” associated with early Texas independence movements. Issued in advance of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial, the piece reflects Revolutionary-era symbolism.
The Liberty Flag is one of the earliest banners associated with the Texas Revolution and is generally linked to the 1835–1836 independence movement. The design features an arm holding a drawn sword, symbolizing resistance and the willingness to defend liberty by force if necessary. Variations of the flag were reportedly used by Texian volunteers in the early months of the revolution, though historical documentation is limited and surviving contemporary descriptions are sparse. The imagery reflects the broader revolutionary tradition of martial symbolism—liberty defended through sacrifice—and represents the militant resolve that defined the struggle for Texas independence.
Details
| Year | 1985-86 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Manufacturer / Mint | World Wide Mint (Bloomington, MN) |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | The obverse depicts the historic Liberty Flag mounted on a vertical staff. The flag displays an arm holding a drawn sword, with droplets falling from the blade, symbolizing sacrifice and the willingness to fight for independence. Surrounding the design is the inscription “1st FLAG OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE,” with the commemorative dates “1836 – 1986” below. The imagery references early revolutionary banners used during the Texas struggle for independence from Mexico. |
| 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 appears the date “1985” or "1986" above a silhouette outline of the State of Texas. The polished outer ring contrasts with the textured interior field, emphasizing the raised lettering and central 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) | 1.85 |
| 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 Liberty Flag design is associated with early Texas revolutionary symbolism, often linked to the 1835–1836 independence movement. The drawn sword and severed arm motif reflects themes of resistance and sacrifice. This round forms part of a broader group of mid-1980s Texas independence-themed private silver issues produced during the Sesquicentennial period. |