Texas Mint and Mercantile Whitney TX – Texas Silver Dollar Series

Issuer and Distributor

The Texas Mint and Mercantile Whitney TX was a small private mint founded by artist and rancher Rick Pinner that produced a distinctive series of Texas-themed silver bullion rounds known as the Texas Silver Dollars and Texas Silver Dimes. Issued between 2000 and 2009, the series celebrated Texas history, wildlife, and western heritage through annual designs struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver. The Texas Mint operated as part of the broader Texas private minting system (see the Texas Mints Guide).

Texas Mint & Mercantile operated as an issuing entity, with all coins and rounds produced through third-party contract mints. According to Rick Pinner, production was coordinated through intermediaries such as AJPM, which facilitated minting arrangements with external manufacturers. Pinner also recalled working with a “Washington Mint,” though the specific identity of this entity remains unconfirmed. These references reflect the program’s contract manufacturing structure rather than any in-house minting operation.

Texas Mint and Mercantile Whitney TX Original Texas Dollar — The Original Texas One Dollar

Origins and Early Development (1997–1999)

The concept for The Texas Mint originated in 1997, inspired during a period when the United States Mint was redesigning the $100 bill. Rick Pinner envisioned a Texas-issued dollar reflecting the state’s heritage and identity. Development required approximately one year, with coins struck by a third-party mint. The first Texas Silver Dollar was publicly sold on July 5, 1998. Early production pieces bore the 2000 date.

The Texas Silver Dollar Collection (2000–2009)

Beginning with the Texas Longhorn issue dated 2000, the Texas Dollar program evolved into an annual series. Starting in 2001, a new design was introduced each year through 2010, for a total of ten dated designs.

The Complete Texas Silver Dollar Series

All Texas Dollars were struck in .999 fine silver. A subtle hidden heart motif was intentionally incorporated into every Texas Dollar design, serving as a unifying artistic element across the series.

Limited Gold Companion Issue (2000)

In addition to the silver issues, The Texas Mint produced a limited gold companion issue beginning in 2000. Approximately 30 one-ounce gold coins were struck using the Texas Longhorn design.

The 2000 Texas Gold Dollar – Photo courtesy of Century Coins and Bullion

The example documented is accompanied by a certificate marked “#1,” which Rick Pinner confirmed refers to Bill Messer, an early partner in the Texas Mint & Mercantile operation.

Texas Silver Dime Collection

The Texas Silver Dime Collection consisted of four dime-denominated silver pieces. Although denominated as dimes, the coins were produced at approximately the size of a U.S. nickel. This larger format was intentionally chosen to accommodate women’s pendant jewelry.

Dragonfly Dime
Horny Toad Dime
Quail Dime
Hummingbird Dime

Deep in the Heart of Texas – Hidden Hearts

A distinctive artistic feature of the Texas Dollar program is a subtle heart shape incorporated into every design. According to creator Rick Pinner, the heart was intentionally hidden within the artwork of each coin as a symbolic signature element across the series.

Texas Mint & Mercantile Storefront

The Texas Mint operated a public retail storefront known as Texas Mint & Mercantile at 118 W. Washington Ave., Whitney, Texas 76692, serving as a point of sale for coins and Texas-themed merchandise.

Marketing and Outreach

Marketing efforts included advertisements in Texas Monthly, Cowboys & Indians magazine, and various Texas newspapers. Rick Pinner often mailed handwritten notes with sample coins directly to editors as a grassroots method of gaining attention.

Economic Context and Closure (2010)

When The Texas Mint and Mercantile Whitney TX began operations around 2000, silver traded near approximately $5 per ounce. By 2010, silver prices had risen dramatically, at times trading up to $30 per ounce. Combined with rising production costs and other financial commitments outside of minting, these pressures led to the closure of The Texas Mint in 2010.

Rick Pinners Legacy

The artist and singing Cowboy - Mr Rick Pinner

Rick Pinner, The Texas Mint and Mercantile

“As a friend, as a father, as a grandfather, I want them to remember the faith I have. And the ability that I have chased whatever dream I choose, and I caught ’um. I think every single one. What could be a finer life than that? That I have experienced everything I wanted to experience, and I’m still looking forward to more.”

Following the closure of the mint, Rick Pinner shifted his creative focus toward ranching, and his current love – books and bookbinding. The Texas Dollar and Texas Silver Dime programs remain enduring artifacts of Texas-themed private minting and a documented expression of individual artistic vision.

References:

The Texas Mint Website archive from 2000 – 2007
Texas Monthly advertisement, November 2006
Interview and correspondence with Rick Pinner December 2025
My personal collection of Texas Mint coins

Texas Stacker Note: I had the pleasure to interview Rick. He is a a true cowboy in every sense of the word. A man of God, artist, rancher and creative soul. Rick is quick to share stories and just visit, the way folks used to do. I am blessed and honored to capture this awesome piece of Texas history. Production years and mintage figures are based on available primary sources and collector research. Thank you Rick – for everything! The Texas Stacker.