The reverse features a large Bowie knife positioned horizontally across the center of the design. The knife is surrounded by the inscription ORIGINAL BOWIE KNIFE, emphasizing the iconic weapon associated with Jim Bowie and Texas frontier history.
The obverse depicts a heraldic eagle adapted from the Great Seal of the United States. Above the eagle appears a constellation of stars surrounding the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The surrounding legend reads GREAT SEAL OF THE UNITED STATES. The lower border contains the inscription TROY OZ .999 FINE SILVER MADE IN USA BY AMC.
Buyers Guide →
Price History →
Seller Guide →
Marginal national crossover — knife-collector audience beyond Texas
Price History — Full Record
| Date | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 12, 2026 | $129.99 | Most RecentHighest EverUnverified~3x next-highest sale — flagged for review, not excluded |
| Dec 1, 2024 | $33.00 | |
| Jul 26, 2024 | $33.51 | |
| Jun 3, 2024 | $44.99 | |
| Mar 22, 2024 | $47.00 | "For Someone Special" |
| May 29, 2020 | $36.99 | AMC-attributed |
| Dec 5, 2019 | $34.00 | "Vintage Toned" |
| Oct 5, 2019 | $30.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2019 | $26.00 | "Great Seal of U.S." reverse |
| Jan 1, 2019 | $26.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2018 | $21.99 | |
| Sep 6, 2018 | $19.99 | RMC-attributed |
1986 Bowie Knife Overview
The 1986 Bowie Knife Silver Round is a privately issued bullion piece featuring a stylized representation of the famous Bowie knife associated with Texas frontiersman and Alamo defender Jim Bowie. Struck in 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the round combines a simple commemorative reverse design with a modified rendition of the Great Seal of the United States on the obverse.
An AMC mint mark appears on the obverse, identifying production by American Medallic Corporation (AMC). Because no dated examples, packaging, advertisements, or contemporary documentation have yet been located, the round is currently attributed to the period 1986–1989, corresponding to AMC’s documented minting activity in Texas.
1986 Bowie Knife Historical Context
James Bowie (c. 1796–1836) was one of the most prominent figures of the Texas Revolution and remains a central figure in Texas history. Originally known as a land speculator, adventurer, and frontiersman, Bowie became famous for the large fighting knife that bears his name following the 1827 Sandbar Fight in Louisiana. He later settled in Mexican Texas, married into a prominent Tejano family, and became an active supporter of Texas independence. Bowie is best remembered for his role in the defense of the Alamo in San Antonio, where he served as one of the garrison’s leaders alongside William B. Travis and David Crockett. Although seriously ill during the siege, he remained with the defenders and died during the Mexican assault on March 6, 1836. His sacrifice at the Alamo secured his place among the most celebrated heroes of the Texas Revolution, and the Bowie knife became an enduring symbol of the Texas frontier spirit.
1986 Bowie Knife Coin Notes
- The issue date is currently estimated based on all available data, actual possible dates range from 1986 – 1989.
- The design appears to have been produced as a standalone Texas-themed bullion round.
- The reverse design is unusually minimalist, consisting solely of the Bowie knife motif and title.
- Additional research is needed to determine whether companion Texas-history designs were issued in the same series.
