Pope John Paul II
Overview
1987 Papal Visit to Texas Silver Round mark the Popes visit to San Antonio, Texas, when Pope John Paul II visited the city as part of his U.S. tour. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of the Pope, while the reverse shows the Alamo beneath a bishop’s miter and ribbon, with the inscription SAN ANTONIO / SEPTEMBER 13–14. The piece was issued as an event souvenir tied directly to the papal visit.
Historical Significance
Pope John Paul II visited San Antonio on September 13, 1987, making this the only visit by a reigning pope to Texas. The event drew enormous public attention and remains one of the most important religious gatherings in Texas history. Commemorative rounds like this were produced as keepsakes for attendees, collectors, and the regional souvenir market, linking modern religious history with one of Texas’s most recognizable landmarks, the Alamo.
Details
| Year | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Manufacturer / Mint | Unknown Mint |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Michael Rizzello, O.B.E. |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | Left-facing bust of Pope John Paul II with the surrounding legend POPE JOHN PAUL II. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | The Alamo beneath an episcopal miter and ribbon, with the inscriptions PAPAL VISIT, 1987, SAN ANTONIO, and SEPTEMBER 13–14. |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.1 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 0 |
| Diameter (mm) | 38.61 |
| Thickness (mm) | 3 |
| Notes | Serialized Texas-themed souvenir bullion issued for regional distribution during the 1987 Papal Visit. |