Coin Type – Chief Justice John Marshall – 2005

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall was honored on the 250^th anniversary of his birth by Congress. They authorized a commemorative Silver Dollar honoring the fourth Chief Justice who served from 1801 until 1835. His most notable achievement in that position was establishing the legal doctrine of Judicial Review. This doctrine gave the Supreme Court of the United States the authority and privilege to overturn even an Act of Congress if the Court determine that the Act of Congress exceeds the powers granted to Congress under the Constitution of the United States. This again was the Founding Fathers’ method of curtailing an ever-powerful Congress if it exceeded its regulated authority.  

US Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti designed the obverse of this commemorative Silver Dollar. He used an 1808 painting by Charles de Saint-Memin as his model for the contemporary likeness of the Chief Justice. The coin features a bust of Marshall, facing left, with the words “CHIEF JUSTICE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT 1801 – 1835” on the upper periphery. To the left of his portrait is “JOHN MARSHALL – LIBERTY” in three likes and to the right of his bust is the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The date of striking “2005” is below the word LIBERTY.  

The reverse of the Silver Dollar was designed by artist Donna Weaver who depicted the first Supreme Court chamber, which was inside of the US Capitol building. Below the chamber, in three lines, are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” 

(A 2005-P Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar, Uncirculated, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].) 

The coins were struck in both Uncirculated and Proof versions at the Philadelphia Mint and 400,000 coins of all versions were authorized by Congress.  

(A 2005-P Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].) 

In addition to the Uncirculated and Proof versions of the commemorative Silver Dollars, the Mint also sold a Coin and Chronicles Set that included the Uncirculated Silver Dollar, an informational booklet and an intaglio print of the statue of the Chief Justice.