Unissued Texas Dollar design struck in error with extremely limited surviving examples
Overview
The 2006 (estimated) Texas Silver Dollar – Quail Prototype represents an unissued design within the Texas Mint & Mercantile – Texas Silver Dollar series. According to creator Rick Pinner, the quail design was never approved for production; however, a small number of pieces were struck by the contract mint due to a miscommunication. These pieces were not released as part of the official series.
Dating (Estimated)
The quail design closely matches the motif used on the 2006 Texas Silver Dime, supporting an estimated production period of circa 2006. No date appears on the coin.
Rarity and Status
- Unissued design
- Produced in error due to mint miscommunication
- Extremely limited quantity (described by creator as “a coupla”)
- No official mintage records
Details
| Year | 2006 (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Type | Round |
| Mint Mark | None |
| Issuer | Texas Mint and Mercantile (Whitney, TX) |
| Designer / Sculptor / Engraver | Rick Pinner |
| Obverse Image |  |
| Design: Obverse | High-relief depiction of a quail standing in grass, No inscriptions, Wildlife-themed design consistent with Texas Mint artistic style. Beautiful. |
| Reverse Image |  |
| Design: Reverse | State of Texas ONE DOLLAR, Central five-point star with radiating lines, Rope border. Inscription: “.999 Fine Silver” Distinctive heart motif within the word DOLLAR (Texas Mint signature design element). |
| Edge Type | Reeded |
| Edge Inscription | None |
| Metal | Silver |
| Fineness | .999 |
| Weight (grams) | 31.29 |
| Weight (troy oz) | 1 |
| Diameter (mm) | 37.2 |
| Thickness (mm) | 3.20 |
| Attribution Notes | Issued by Texas Mint & Mercantile, Whitney, Texas. Struck by an unidentified contract mint as part of the Texas Dollar production program. Confirmed in writing by Rick Pinner. |
| Notes | This piece represents an unreleased Texas Dollar design, placing it outside the standard series while still directly tied to its production framework. Its existence provides insight into the Texas Mint design and manufacturing process, including the use of contract minting and prototype development stages. |