1993 Bill of Rights Commemorative Silver Dollars

The 1993 Bill of Rights Commemorative Silver Dollars were struck by the United States Mint to commemorate the involvement of James Madison in the creation of the United States Bill of Rights. Also struck by the Mint that same year were half dollar clad coins and $5 gold coins which also celebrated the Bill of Rights.

Madison also authored the United States Constitution, but under the Bill of Rights limited federal power and sought to protect personal freedoms and property (among other things). The Bill of Rights was adopted on December 15, 1791 after being ratified by three-fourths of the states in the Union.

The inclusion of a Bill of Rights was originally seen as unnecessary by Madison who thought the Constitution itself served that duty. However, he penned the rights in response to opposition to the Constitution by those who demanded the addition of a bill or rights.

Silver Dollar Information

The Bill of Rights Commemorative Silver Dollars were authorized by Congress under Public Law 102-281, Title VI – known as the James Madison -Bill of Rights Commemorative Coin Act. Under the act, a maximum of 900,000 of the silver dollars were to be struck.

The obverse of the Bill of Rights Silver Dollar shows a portrait of James Madison, as designed by William Krawczewics. Included as well are the inscriptions of JAMES MADISON, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1993 and the mintmark.

On the reverse, Montpelier, the home of James Madison is shown. It was designed by Dean McMullen and also includes the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR and MONTPELIER.

Uncirculated Bill of Rights Silver Dollars were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Denver. Proof coins were struck at the US Mint’s facility in San Francisco.

Surcharges collected on the sale of the coins was to be distributed to the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Trust Fund.

1993 Bill of Rights Silver Dollar Coin Specifications