Texas Mint (based in Whitney,
Texas): According to Rick Pinner, an artist and rancher, “I had this idea in
1997 that Texas needed a commemorative dollar for the Millennium and finally
formalized that with my design for the 2000 issue. I spent a couple of years
selling just that one, after I had them made (1998-2000). I've always had
some interest in coins, but never knew much about it. After my first silver
dollar sold so well (I even had some minted in .999 gold) I thought the next
year I'd do a 2001, and so it continued.” As a tribute to Texas' entry into
the new century, there is a silver dollar for each year since then, so
minting these pieces has turned into an annual tradition. They have received
lots of interest over the years and each coin “depicts someone or something
from our great Texas Heritage.” Mr. Pinner had a little cabin in downtown
Whitney from which they were sold, but the Texas Mint & Mercantile has since
moved to a larger store. Their website can be viewed at:
http://www.texasmint.com.
According to Rick Pinner, "In
Texas everything is larger. The Texas dime is no exception. Larger than
the U.S. dime, our .22 of an ounce .999 silver dime. The dragonfly, a
creature of myth and legend, is an amazing lace winged insect. Able to
dart about and hover in place, its antics have been observed by many
ancient peoples. Almost fairy-like, I have placed it on our Texas dime
in honor of a dragonfly woman, my wife of 29 years." It was made in 2003 (actually undated).
The other coin displayed is one troy ounce .999 silver Texas one Dollar
featuring Texas star, bull with Texas map. I purchased these coins from
Oded Paz.
