1977 1 Oz Gulf Coast Carnival Association Doubloon BU

Rare doubloon available only to organizers within the Krewe.  The GCCA is Mississippi Coast's oldest and most prestigious Carnival organization. It was founded in 1908 and is the organization responsible for conducting the Mardi Gras Parade each year. The theme in 1977 was Man's Incredible Journeys.

Obverse: The central image is the Apollo 11 rocket. Surrounding the rocket are other key means of transportation that led to the journey into space.  Included are the images of the Nina from Christopher Columbus' journey to the Americas, the Graf Zeppelin, and Lindbergh's airplane.  Each image has descriptive text celebrating the accomplishment.  The texts read "COLUMBUS DISCOVERS AMERICA 1492", "LINDBERGH FIRST TO FLY SOLO ACROSS THE ATLANTIC 1927", "GRAF ZEPPELIN FIRST AIRSHIP TO CIRCLE THE EARTH 1929", and "FIRST ROCKET TO THE MOON 1969".  Two inscriptions are located around the outer rim. The upper inscription reads "MAN'S INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS" while the lower inscription reads "BILOXI MARDI GRAS 1977". The two inscriptions are separated by a star on either side.

Reverse: The reverse features the insignia of the GCCA.  The insignia is shaped like the wheel of a ship.  A fishing boat on the bay and a lighthouse are located inside the center circle of the wheel.  The inner ring bears the phrase "BILOXI MISSISSIPPI USA"  while the text along the outside rim reads "GULF COAST CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION INC. 1908". 

Edge: The edge is smooth.  The purity and content of ".999 F.S." are inscribed at the top of the round.