The 200th Anniversary of the Founding of West Point
The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, was formally authorized by President Thomas Jefferson on March 16, 1802, establishing the nation’s first permanent military academy. Founded to provide professional training for Army officers, West Point played a central role in the development of American military engineering, leadership, and national defense.
From its earliest years, West Point became the center of American military engineering education, emphasizing mathematics, fortification design, surveying, and artillery science at a time when the United States lacked civilian engineering schools. Graduates of the Academy played a critical role in building the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, canals, and railroads, while also forming the professional backbone of the U.S. Army. Over time, West Point’s mission expanded to focus on leadership, ethics, and character development, producing generations of officers who have shaped American military history and national defense policy for more than two centuries.
The West Point facility was established in 1937 as a United States bullion depository and did not initially produce coins. The U.S. Mint first began striking coins at West Point in 1974, when the facility produced Lincoln cents without a mint mark, making them indistinguishable from Philadelphia issues. In 1984, West Point struck its first coins bearing the “W” mint mark, beginning with the commemorative 1984 Los Angeles Olympiad Runners Gold $10 Coin. The facility was officially designated the West Point Mint in 1988, after which it became a primary producer of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion and commemorative coins.
In 2002, marking the bicentennial of the Academy’s founding, the United States Congress authorized the U.S. Mint to strike the 2002 West Point Bicentennial Commemorative Silver Dollar. The coin was issued to honor two centuries of West Point’s service to the nation and its enduring mission to educate and develop leaders of character for the United States Army.
Design & Mintage Details
James Ferrell designed the obverse of this commemorative silver dollar. The central vignette is a group of five figures representing the Academy Color Guard in parade, marching towards the viewer. In the background are the Cadet Chapel and Washington Hall. On the upper periphery are these words and dates: “1802,” “LIBERTY,” and “2002.” To the right is the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The reverse of the 2002 West Point Bicentennial Commemorative Silver Dollar features the United States Military Academy Bicentennial logo and a plumed helmet with a sword behind it. In an inner circle are the legends “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” On the outer circle are “1802 * WEST POINT * 2002 * BICENTENNIAL.” This reverse was created by John Mercanti.
Proof and uncirculated 2002 West Point Bicentennial Commemorative Silver Dollars were struck at the West Point Minting facility in West Point, NY. The uncirculated and proof versions of these coins were struck there. The Congress authorized the mintage of 500,000 silver dollars. 103,201 uncirculated coins were sold, and 288,293 proof coins were sold. The coins were offered individually and as a 2-coin Uncirculated and Proof Silver Dollar set.
Proceeds from each coin’s surcharge went to the Association of Graduates’ efforts to support programs that advance the Corps of Cadets’ academic, military, physical, moral, and ethical development. Add this coin to your collection and discover other U.S. classic silver commemorative coins.
(A 2002-W West Point Bicentennial Commemorative Silver Dollar, Uncirculated, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
(A 2002-W West Point Bicentennial Commemorative Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
