How to Identify the Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar

What This Coin Is

Issued from 1934 through 1938, the Texas Independence Centennial Half Dollar commemorates the 100th anniversary of Texas's independence from Mexico. It was designed by sculptor Pompeo Coppini and was sold across several years at multiple mints to raise funds for centennial celebrations.

Obverse Design & Inscriptions

The obverse features an eagle with wings spread, standing atop a large five-pointed Lone Star. "REMEMBER THE ALAMO" appears in the design, along with "TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CENTENNIAL" and the relevant date.

Reverse Design & Inscriptions

The reverse shows two winged allegorical figures flanking a small central shield and tree emblem representing Texas, with medallion-style portraits of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin below.

Size, Weight, Metal, Edge

Standard half dollar specifications: about 30.6mm in diameter, 12.5 grams, 90% silver, reeded edge.

Mint Marks & Where to Find Them

Coins were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco across the series' run, with the mint mark appearing on the obverse. Because this series spans several years and three mints, checking both date and mint mark is necessary to identify a specific issue.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The Lone Star and eagle obverse, along with the Houston and Austin portrait medallions on the reverse, are unique to this series and not shared with other commemoratives. The main identification task is sorting out which of the several year-and-mint combinations a given coin represents, since the basic design stayed the same throughout the run.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Many later-date issues in this series were sold in sets directly to collectors rather than circulated, so high-grade examples are widely available. Check the eagle's wings and the star's points for wear, and examine the small portrait medallions on the reverse, which are the first design elements to flatten with handling.

Authenticity Red Flags

Confirm weight (12.5 grams) and diameter (30.6mm), and listen for a solid silver ring. Because some later-date, lower-mintage issues in this series carry higher premiums, be alert to mint marks that look re-engraved or added to a common-date coin to mimic a scarcer combination. A magnetic reaction, blurred lettering, or unnaturally uniform toning are also signs worth having examined by a professional grading service.