Texas Mint & Mercantile, Whitney TX
Overview
The 2000 Texas Gold Dollar represents an extremely limited gold companion issue to the inaugural Texas Silver Dollar series produced by Texas Mint & Mercantile under Rick Pinner. Struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine gold, the issue is believed to have been produced in a very small quantity, estimated at approximately 20–30 pieces.
The design matches the inaugural 2000 silver dollar featuring a Texas Longhorn, establishing continuity across the series and confirming that multi-metal production capability existed at the launch of the program.
Ultra-low mintage gold companion to the inaugural Texas Silver Dollar, with early partner-assigned specimen documented.
Known Example (COA #1 – Bill Messer)
A documented example of this issue is accompanied by:
- Original red velvet presentation case
- Certificate of Authenticity marked “#1”
- Hand-signed by issuer Rick Pinner (2026 certification)
Rick Pinner confirmed that the “#1” designation refers to Bill Messer, an early partner involved in the Texas Mint & Mercantile operation during its formative years.
This indicates that the piece represents an early partner-assigned presentation specimen, rather than a sequential first-strike designation.
Historical Context
The 2000 Texas Dollar marked the beginning of a multi-year series celebrating Texas heritage through privately issued bullion-style rounds. While silver issues formed the primary output, the existence of this extremely limited gold companion demonstrates an early ambition to position the series within both collectible and high-value bullion markets.
Early distribution appears to have included direct allocation to close associates and partners, rather than broad retail release, contributing to the rarity of surviving examples.
Rarity & Significance
- Extremely low mintage (≈20–30)
- First-year issue (series origin)
- Gold companion to foundational design
- Early partner provenance (Bill Messer example documented)
This combination places the issue among the rarest and most historically significant pieces within the Texas Mint & Mercantile series.
Details
| Year | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mintage Quantity | 20 - 30 |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Issuer | Texas Mint and Mercantile (Whitney, TX) |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Rick Pinner |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | Texas outline with longhorn skull, Ring of stars, Date: 2000 AD. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | Obverse (star side): “TEXAS ONE DOLLAR” Laurel wreath, Lone star, Bottom: “ONE [heart] OUNCE” → confirms the hidden heart motif Rick talked about. |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Gold |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.1 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1 |
| Attribution Notes | The gold issue was produced contemporaneously with the inaugural 2000 silver dollar, confirming that the program launched with both silver and limited gold production. No formal mint attribution has yet been documented; production is believed to have been arranged through AJPM, acting as an intermediary. The term “proof” associated with the piece reflects issuer description; formal mint designation remains unconfirmed. |