Texas

Texas is a state in the southern United States, well known for its very vast land. Its nickname is “The Lone Star State,” and just as the name suggests, “a single star” has long been used as the symbol representing this state. It is a place that brings to mind images of big skies, wide fields, and ranches together.

The reverse of the coin is very simple yet powerful. A single star is overlaid on the outline of the state of Texas, and a lasso rope called a lariat wraps around them. Below is the phrase “The Lone Star State.” Without complicated explanation, it is a design that clearly shows the state’s identity with a single star.

The elements in this image each hold a bit of Texas character. The single star is the symbol this state has proudly held, and the rope brings to mind the life of the cowboys who drove cattle and worked the ranches, and the broad tradition of cattle raising. The star, the rope, and the state outline alone clearly leave the impression that “this is Texas.”

Texas became the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845. And so in the 50 States quarter series it was issued 28th, in 2004. It follows right after Florida, which came out in the same year.

Even engraving just one large star on a single small quarter conveys at a glance what that state cherishes most. Just by looking at the coin and asking “why is there only one star?” you enter into the story of Texas.