Honoring Chief Justice John Marshal
John Marshall was the fourth Chief Justice, serving 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 the privilege to overturn even an Act of Congress if the Court determines that the Act exceeds the powers granted to Congress under the Constitution of the United States. This doctrine, established by the Court in Marbury v. Madison (1803), affirmed the Supreme Court’s authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional. Marshall wrote the Court’s opinion in 519 of the 1,106 cases decided during his tenure, nearly half of the total. He strengthened the Court’s authority through persuasion, a congenial manner, and keen policy insight.
Congress honored Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall on the 250th anniversary of his birth with the 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar. The silver dollar also honors the Supreme Court and, by extension, the entire judicial branch. The 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar was the first U.S. coin specifically issued to honor a Supreme Court Justice and the Supreme Court as an institution. The coins went on sale on April 25, 2005.
Design & Distribution Details
John Mercanti designed the obverse of the 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall 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 lines 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 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar was designed by Donna Weaver. The reverse shows the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol. Architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe began work on the chamber in November 1806. The first court session in the finished space began in February 1819, with Chief Justice John Marshall presiding. 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].)
(A 2005-P Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
The 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar was struck in proof and uncirculated finishes, with a maximum mintage of 400,000, and minted from January 1 to December 31, 2005. 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.
Surcharges on each coin were set aside to support the Supreme Court Historical Society. Add this coin to your collection or explore other U.S. silver modern commemorative coins.
