2002 West Point Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin

The 2002 West Point Silver Dollar was released by the United States Mint on March 16, 2002. Each silver commemorative coin was struck to mark the bicentennial of the founding of the West Point Military Academy two hundred years earlier.

2002-W Proof West Point Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin

The United States Military Academy at West Point was founded by an Act of Congress signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson on March 16, 1802. It was the first military academy established by the United States (of which there are now four more).

Many noted United States Armed Forces officers have been trained at the academy, including two men who would go on to become Presidents of the United States — Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Among the other 60,000-plus alumni are multiple generals, company CEOs, foreign heads of state and even several astronauts.

Silver Dollar Information

The silver dollar was authorized as part of Public Law 103-328 that was signed by President William J. Clinton on September 29, 1994. Under the law, proceeds from a surcharge collected on each coin was to be used to assist the Association of Graduates’ efforts to provide for the academic, military, physical, moral and ethical development programs of the Corp of Cadets.

"The bicentennial coin is an enduring treasure that commemorates West Point and its 200 years of Timeless Leadership," said Colonel Pat Kane during a ceremonial striking of the silver coin. "It gives Americans the opportunity to have their own token of history and share in our celebration."

Each silver dollar contains an obverse design depicting a cadet color guard completing parade exercises in front of the Academy’s Washington Hall and Cadet Chapel. It was designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver T. James Ferrell and includes the inscriptions LIBERTY, 1802, 2002, and IN GOD WE TRUST.

2002-W Uncirculated West Point Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin

The reverse of the commemorative coin shows a version of the United States Military Academy Bicentennial logo and was completed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver John Mercanti. Also shown are the inscriptions WEST POINT, 1802, 2002, BICENTENNIAL, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the mintmark of the US Mint’s facility in West Point "W".

The other commemorative coin issued during the year was the Olympic Salt Lake City silver dollar.

2002 West Point Silver Dollar Coin Specifications