Texas Sesquicentennial Commemoratives
Overview
1985-86 Texas Navy Silver Round 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. The round features the Texas Navy and the ships Invincible, Independence, and Brutus. The round appears to be part of a Texas Sesquicentennial–era bullion program.
The Texas Navy round commemorates the naval arm of the Republic of Texas during the 1835–1836 Revolution, when Texian leaders commissioned ships such as the Invincible, Independence, and Brutus to challenge Mexican supply lines and assert maritime presence in the Gulf of Mexico. Although small and short-lived, the Texas Navy played a strategic role by disrupting Mexican logistics, capturing vessels, and supporting diplomatic efforts abroad. By naming these ships and pairing them with the 1836–1986 commemorative dates, the round honors an often overlooked but critical component of Texas’ fight for independence and its assertion as a sovereign republic.
Details
| Year | 1985-86 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Manufacturer / Mint | World Wide Mint (Bloomington, MN) |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Unknown |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | Depicts a sailing vessel at sea representing the Texas Navy. Legend at right reads “THE TEXAS NAVY.” Banners name three ships: “INVINCIBLE,” “INDEPENDENCE,” and “BRUTUS.” Date “1836 – 1986” appears at the bottom. Field is predominantly mirrored with frosted relief elements. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | Circular legend reads “.999 FINE SILVER” and “ONE TROY OUNCE.” Centered date “1985.” Silhouette of the State of Texas appears below the date within a recessed matte field. Outer ring is polished with raised lettering; inner field is textured. |
| 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 | Obverse dated 1985; reverse commemorates 1836–1986. Likely associated with Texas Sesquicentennial bullion programs of the mid-1980s. No state authorization language appears on the piece. No mint mark present. |