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The 1935 Texas Centennial Half Dollar, graded MS65 by PCGS, is a stunning example of classic U.S. commemorative coinage that pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of Texas independence. This coin is part of a broader series of commemorative half dollars struck during the golden age of American commemoratives, which spans from 1892 to 1954. Authorized by Congress on June 15, 1933, the Texas Half Dollar was designed to honor the Republic of Texas and its transition into the 28th state of the Union. What makes the 1935 issue particularly desirable is its early placement within the multi-year series (1934–1938) and the quality of the strike seen in MS65 examples, which provide collectors with brilliant luster, sharp details, and minimal marks.
The coin’s obverse was designed by Pompeo Coppini, an Italian-born American sculptor known for his large public monuments throughout Texas. At the center of the design is a commanding eagle perched atop a branch of live oak and olive—symbols of strength and peace, respectively. Behind the eagle looms a prominent five-pointed star, a well-known emblem of Texas. Encircling the central design are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.” The artistry of the eagle is particularly notable, with layered feathers, bold wings, and a solemn expression that reflects dignity and resolve. The high relief and thoughtful composition give the coin remarkable visual appeal, even at smaller sizes.
The reverse features a beautifully detailed depiction of the first president of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, alongside Stephen F. Austin, known as the “Father of Texas.” These two legendary figures stand against a backdrop of the Alamo, with rays of sunlight emanating from behind the mission. The legends include “THE TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CENTENNIAL,” the dual dates “1836–1936,” and the names “HOUSTON” and “AUSTIN.” Beneath the main image, the phrase “REMEMBER THE ALAMO” is prominently displayed. This rallying cry of the Texas Revolution is deeply etched into the American consciousness and forms the emotional anchor of the design. The Spanish Trail theme, tied to the legacy of colonial-era missions and roads stretching across the Southwest, is represented subtly in the imagery of the Alamo and the positioning of Austin and Houston as pioneer leaders of a frontier republic.
Minted at all three active U.S. Mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—the Texas commemorative half dollar had several different issues between 1934 and 1938. The 1935 issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and bears no mintmark. A total of 10,008 coins were distributed in 1935, including 8 reserved for assay. This low mintage makes it one of the scarcer early commemorative halves in higher grades. It was released through the Texas Centennial Commission and sold primarily to collectors and citizens interested in celebrating the state’s unique history. Many of the coins were sold individually or as part of sets spanning multiple years, a marketing strategy that encouraged the building of complete collections.
The PCGS MS65 grade ensures a coin that is in Gem Uncirculated condition. At this level, the coin displays strong luster—either creamy, frosty, or brilliant—depending on the original strike and storage. There may be a few tiny contact marks visible under magnification, but none are severe enough to detract from the overall eye appeal. The devices are sharply struck, especially the fine lines of the eagle’s feathers and the architectural detail of the Alamo. Cartwheel luster, clean fields, and original toning (if present) can enhance the visual appeal even further. This grade represents the upper echelon of certified examples, particularly for pre-1936 classic commemoratives, which often suffered from mishandling or suboptimal storage over the decades.
The 1935 Texas Half Dollar is part of a broader commemorative narrative that helped foster regional pride while providing collectors with an avenue to support historic celebrations. Texas was one of several states during the 1930s to receive commemorative coin programs to mark its centennial. While many commemoratives during this period featured simplistic or repetitive designs, the Texas Half Dollar series stood out for its complexity and layered symbolism. Coppini’s reverse design is notable for including both human portraits and architectural elements, a rare combination in U.S. coinage. His attention to historical accuracy and artistic proportion contributed to a series that remains a favorite of collectors to this day.
The Spanish Trail aspect of the 1935 Texas Half Dollar refers not to the coin’s official name, but rather to its broader thematic representation of the southwestern frontier, where Spanish colonialism, Native American history, and the American westward movement intersected. The Alamo, a former Franciscan mission, was part of the larger network of Spanish religious and military installations. The figures of Houston and Austin were emblematic of the American push into these lands, asserting a new national identity over the old Spanish empire. For collectors interested in this confluence of cultural and political narratives, the 1935 Texas Half Dollar offers a deeply symbolic object encapsulating over a century of transformation and conflict in the region.
While demand for classic commemoratives waned in the decades following their issuance, interest resurged in the late 20th century, especially for low-mintage and artistically distinctive types. The 1935 issue is now considered a key date within the Texas series and is regularly included in high-end type sets and commemorative collections. Registry set competition has further driven interest in Gem Uncirculated examples like those certified MS65 by PCGS, especially when they are well-struck and attractively toned. Many of these coins have been encapsulated in protective holders, helping to preserve their state for future generations and ensuring authenticity in an increasingly cautious market.
The Texas Half Dollar series is also notable for being extended over five years—1934 through 1938—despite commemorating a single event. This prolonged issuance was a marketing strategy, spearheaded by the Texas Centennial Commission, that created annual variations and encouraged multi-year collecting. This tactic was controversial at the time and contributed to growing criticism of commemorative coin programs. Nevertheless, it left collectors with a richly varied series to pursue, and the 1935 issue is one of the most attractive and historically meaningful among them.
The 1935 Texas Half Dollar MS65 PCGS remains a treasured coin for those who appreciate early U.S. commemorative coinage. It offers an artistic, well-struck design, low mintage, historical depth, and a compelling narrative tied to the Spanish Trail, Texas independence, and the broader themes of American expansion. With its rich detail and patriotic symbolism, the coin represents both a celebration of statehood and a work of art frozen in silver. For collectors seeking a high-grade, visually impressive, and historically significant piece, this certified gem is a standout addition to any numismatic collection.