2004-S Texas, Silver Proof

2026-04-08, San Francisco produced 1,175,934 Texas silver proofs in 2004, releasing them through the annual Silver Proof Set. The Texas reverse, designed by Daniel Carr and engraved by Norm Nemeth, presents the unmistakable outline of the state with a single five-pointed star superimposed near its center, the Lone Star that has defined Texan identity since the Republic era. A length of braided lariat encircles the design, tying ranching tradition to the state's territorial form. The motto "The Lone Star State" runs above. On a silver planchet the braid of the lariat shows individual rope strands with notable crispness, and the bright white metal gives the heavy state outline a presence the clad strike struggles to match.

Authentication of a genuine 2004-S Texas Silver Proof begins with the weight: a true silver example registers 6.25 grams while the clad proof weighs 5.67 grams, and that 0.58-gram differential is the most reliable single diagnostic the series offers. The 90% silver, 10% copper alloy produces a silvery-white, highly reflective surface visibly brighter than the slightly grayer cast of copper-nickel clad, and viewing the 24.3mm edge straight on reveals a solid silver-colored band rather than the copper-cored sandwich stripe found on clad quarters. Squared, sharp rims and heavily frosted Cameo or Deep Cameo devices floating above mirror-finish fields complete the visual signature. Tilt the coin under directional light and the star, the state outline, and the lariat coils should all show dense, uniform frost against glassy black fields.

The 2004-S Texas Silver Proof never entered circulation, distributed only through collector channels, and survival rates remain exceptionally high in original packaging. Current market interest centers on Deep Cameo and PR70 examples, with the underlying silver content providing a bullion floor that has supported value through the years. For more on the program that produced this Texas issue, see the 50 State Quarters series history.