2019 San Antonio Missions Silver Quarter (5 oz)

The America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ – San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas) is the fourth release of 2019 in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. This reverse (tails) design depicts elements of the Spanish Colonial Real coin to pay tribute to the missions. Within the quadrants are symbols of the missions: wheat symbolizes farming; the arches and bell symbolize community; a lion symbolizes Spanish cultural heritage; and a symbol of the San Antonio River symbolizes irrigation methods and life-sustaining resources. Inscriptions are “SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS,” “TEXAS,” “2019,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.&rdquo

The San Antonio Missions made up one of the largest concentrations of Spanish missions in North America during the 1700s and helped create the foundation for the city of San Antonio. The missions were built as walled compounds containing the church, living quarters, workshops, storerooms, and fortified towers. The blending of cultures is reflected in the 18th century Spanish architecture and the indigenous designs. 

The missions were built close together because of the natural resources found near the San Antonio River. Construction of aqueducts and irrigation canals (acequias) brought water to the missions, sustaining farming and ranching. The missions’ toolmaking, carpentry, looming, spinning, and masonry further contributed to the community’s ability to be self-sustaining.

The missions are surrounded by residential and commercial areas, demonstrating both their modern-day success and unbroken connection with the past. 

The 2019 San Antonio Missions 5oz Quarter is 76.2 mm in diameter, 4.064 mm thick, and composed of 99.9 percent silver.