1980 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 1980 was "Gulf Coast 1812-1815".

Obverse: The central image on the obverse is a galleon ship in the bay.  In the distance, two other ships can be seen.  Bombs are exploding in the air.  Two small inscriptions describe the scene.  The upper inscription states "PRECEDING BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS".  The lower inscription reads "DEC 13, 1814 NAVAL ENGAGEMENT OFF PASS CHRISTIAN & SHIP ISLAND".  Two larger inscriptions are located around the outer rim. The upper inscription reads "GULF COAST 1812-1815" while the lower inscription reads "BILOXI MARDI GRAS 1980". The two inscriptions are separated by a British flag and bombs on the left and an American flag and bombs on the right.

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.