4533) "Davy Crockett", a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and story-teller, - "King of the Wild Frontier", United States of America (USA): Silver Coins issued by the US Mint and the Mexican Mint:
Davy Crockett was a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. Known as the “King of the Wild Frontier,” his adventures—both real and fictitious—earned him American folk hero status and remembered for his death at the Alamo.
Early Life and Frontier Skills:
David “Davy” Crockett was born on August 17, 1786, in eastern Tennessee to pioneer parents John and Rebecca Crockett.
Growing up in a modest family, he received minimal formal education and spent much of his youth working on farms and learning survival skills in the wilderness.
He became a skilled hunter, scout, and woodsman, gaining a reputation for his storytelling and adventurous exploits in the forests of Tennessee.
Military and Political Career:
Crockett served in the Tennessee militia during the Creek War (1813–1815), where he distinguished himself as a scout and fighter.
In 1821, he was elected to the Tennessee state legislature, gaining popularity for his homespun speeches and vivid tales of frontier life.
He later served multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he opposed policies such as President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act, which contributed to his electoral defeats.
He participated in the Indian massacre at Tallushatchee in retaliation for a Native American attack on Fort Mims.
During the War of 1812, Crockett re-enlisted as Third Sergeant under Captain John Cowan. He went to Spanish Florida to help Andrew Jackson clear British forces, including British-trained Indians, from the region.
After being discharged in 1815, he returned home, where his wife Polly soon died. He remarried, moved his family to Lawrence County, Tennessee, started several businesses and began his political career.
Texas Revolution and the Alamo:
After losing his congressional seat in 1835, Crockett moved west to Texas, then part of Mexico, to join the Texan forces in their fight for independence.
In early 1836, he participated in the Texas Revolution and died at the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, alongside the garrison defending the fort against General Santa Anna’s army.
His death cemented his status as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
Legacy and Cultural Impact:
Crockett’s life was widely mythologised during his lifetime through biographies, stage plays, and almanacs, portraying him as a fearless hunter and larger-than-life figure.
In the 20th century, his legend was popularised by Disney’s television series and films, inspiring generations of Americans and solidifying his place as an enduring folk hero. He is remembered as an embodiment of the rugged, pioneering spirit of the American frontier.
One of America’s most famous folk heroes, Crocket was a noted frontiersman whose name lent instant credibility to the fledging young Republic of Texas.
Davy Crockett’s life combined real achievements with legendary storytelling, making him a quintessential figure of the American frontier. From his early days as a backwoods hunter to his political career and ultimate sacrifice at the Alamo, Crockett’s story reflects the adventurous, independent spirit that shaped early American history and culture.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio, Texas.
These outposts established by Catholic Religious Orders to spread Christianity among native Americans formed part of a colonisation system that stretched across the Spanish South-west from the 17th to 19th Centuries AD.
In geographic order from the North (upstream of the San Antonio River) to the South (downstream), four of the missions are called - Mision Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna - present day Mission Concepcion - (Est. 1716), Mision San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo (Est. 1720), Mision San Jose de los Nazonis - present day Mission San Juan Capistrano - (Est. 1731) and Mision San Francisco de la Espada - present day Mission Espada - (Est.1690).
The fifth and best known of the five missions - the Alamo - is not a part of the Park. It is located upstream from Mission Concepcion and is owned by the State of Texas. Presently it is under the custodianship of the Texas General Land Office.
On 05.07.2015, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park along with the Alamo Mission in San Antonio was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Park was originally established in 1975 as the Mission Parkway encompassing 84 different historical sites along the San Antonio River. It was authorised as a National Historical Park on 10.11.1978 and established on 01.04.1983 containing many natural sites along with some natural areas.
Davy Crockett was reported to have been one of the last men standing at the Alamo as the small garrison of about 185 Texans was overwhelmed by a force of around 4,000 commanded by President General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
He arrived at the Alamo with a small group of Tennessee volunteers; symbol of frontier spirit
He was killed in the final assault (accounts vary on whether he died fighting or was executed after capture).
The other well-known defenders who died with Crockett were:
James Bowie Born in Kentucky (1796), raised in Louisiana; known for the “Bowie knife” and land speculation Co-commander of the Alamo garrison with Travis; bedridden due to illness during siege.
Died during the final assault, possibly fighting from his sickbed.
William B. Travis Lawyer and soldier from South Carolina (1809) Co-commander of the Alamo; wrote the famous “Victory or Death” letter.
Killed in combat during the assault on March 6, 1836
The Battle of the Alamo (Feb–Mar 1836) was a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution.
Crockett and Bowie were both frontiersmen, embodying the rugged, self-reliant image of early American pioneers.
Their presence together at the Alamo cemented the battle’s place in U.S. folklore as a clash of legendary figures against overwhelming odds.
James Bowie alongside Davy Crockett. Their combined reputations — Crockett as the “King of the Wild Frontier” and Bowie as the knife-wielding adventurer — helped mythologise the Alamo as a symbol of heroic resistance’
Alongside Davy Crockett and James Bowie, there were indeed other frontiersmen and rugged pioneers who fought at the Alamo:
Micajah Autry – A Tennessee-born frontiersman, lawyer, and poet who volunteered for the Texian cause. He wrote letters describing the siege before dying in the final assault.
George C. Kimble – A Kentucky-born settler who led reinforcements into the Alamo during the siege, knowing the odds were grim.
David Crockett’s Tennessee Volunteers – Crockett didn’t come alone; he brought a small band of fellow frontiersmen from Tennessee, including men like Abner Doubleday and John Crockett (no relation).
Samuel B. Evans – Another frontier adventurer who joined the Texian defenders, representing the wave of settlers pushing westward.
Amos Pollard – Though a physician by trade, he embodied the frontier spirit, tending to the wounded and fighting when needed.
These men weren’t as famous as Crockett or Bowie, but they shared the same frontier ethos — self-reliance, exploration, and a willingness to fight against overwhelming odds.
Their presence shows that the Alamo wasn’t just defended by “big names,” but by a community of pioneers who believed in the Texian cause.
The Ballad of Davy Crockett (From Walt Disney's "Davy Crockett") - Lyrics:
Verse
Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee
Greenest state in the Land of the Free
Raised in the woods so′s he knew every tree
He killed him a b'ar when he was only three
chorus
Davy, Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier
verse
Fought single-handed through the peace was in store
While he was handlin' this risky che Injun war
′Til the Creeks was whipped and hore
Made himself a legend forevermore
chorus
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the Wild Frontier
verse
He'd give his word and he′d give his hand
That his Injun friends could keep their land
The rest of his life he took the stand
That justice was due every redskin band
chorus
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the Wild Frontier
verse
He went off to Congress and served a spell
Fixin′ up the government and laws as well
Took over Washington, so I hear tell
And patched up the crack in the Liberty Bell
chorus
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the Wild Frontier
verse
When he came home, his politickin' done
The western march had just begun
So he packed his gear and his trusty gun
And lit out grinnin′ to follow the sun
chorus
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the Wild Frontier
verse
His land is biggest and his land is best
From grassy plains to the mountain crest
He's ahead of us all and meetin′ the test
Followin' his legend into the west
chorus
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the Wild Frontier
Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the Wild Frontier
King of the Wild Frontier
Davy Crockett’s Pocket Change - Coins minted by the Mexican Mint - the Casa de Moneda:
The Coins:
The "Cap & Rays" Coins:
Known as “Cap & Rays” coins, these distinctive 2 Reales were struck at Mexico’s Mint, the famous Casa de Moneda, the oldest mint in the New World.
While the coin’s obverse features Mexico’s national emblem of an eagle holding a snake in its beak, it’s the reverse where the name stems from as it depicts a Liberty Cap with sun rays bursting forth from it.
Inscribed in the rim of the cap is the word LIBERTAD. Mexican silver coins like this were accepted as legal tender in the United States up until the Civil War. And when the Republic of Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1835, it meant that these coins ere legal tender in THREE sovereign nations until Texas was annexed by the United States as the 28th state in 1845.
Mexico minted the historic 2 Reales Cap & Rays from 1825-1872. Each was struck in 6.76 grams of highly pure 90.3% fine silver and is slightly larger than a modern-day quarter. These coins were struck between 1825-1836 up until the famous Battle of the Alamo near San Antonio.
VINTAGE COIN OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE – The coins available in this offer were struck from 1825-1836 and would have circulated widely during the Texas revolution when the Republic of Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Dates vary.
FAMOUS CAP & RAY DESIGN – This coin features the
famous “Cap & Rays” design that features Mexico’s national emblem of a
snake holding a snake in its beak on the obverse and a Liberty Cap with sun
rays bursting forth from it on the reverse.
STRUCK IN GLEAMING SILVER – Each Mexico Silver 2 Reales
Cap & Rays coin was struck in 6,76 grams of highly pure 90.3% fine silver
and measures 28 mm in diameter.
LEGAL TENDER IN THREE COUNTRIES – Not only were these
coins were legal tender in Mexico, they were also accepted as legal tender in
the United States up until the Civil War and in the Republic of Texas from
1835-1845 until it was annexed by the United States as the 28th state.
NICE FINE CONDITION – Your 1825–1836 Mexico Silver 2
Reales Cap & Rays coin will come in nice Fine (F) condition, with good
detail, sharp lettering and even wear.
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The Reverse of the Medal depicts a Bear symbolising the Bear that was killed by Crockett at the age of three.
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