1979 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. There was no specific theme in 1979.

Obverse: The central image on the obverse is the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.  Lights, a carnival mask, and a carnival captain add festive decorations to the celebration.   Below the image is the text "MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER" which identifies the building.  Two inscriptions are located around the outer rim. The upper inscription is a list of cities participating in Mardi Gras and it reads "PASCAGOULA OCEAN SPRINGS BILOXI GULFPORT PASS CHRISTIAN" while the lower inscription reads "MARDI GRAS 1979". The two inscriptions are separated by beads and a megaphone 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.