The 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar was the first of two silver commemorative coins issued by the US Mint in 2005. The coins were authorized by the John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-290) and were available in both proof and uncirculated qualities.
2005-P Proof John Marshall Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin
Each of commemorative coins were struck to honor former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court John Marshall and to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth. Marshall was actually the fourth Chief Justice of the United States when he served from 1801-1835. However, he is perhaps the best known owing to the instrumental role he played in shaping the constitutional law of the country and his influence in making the Supreme Court a central power in the nation.
Marshall is still credited with being the longest serving Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a factor in his influence on so many cases that were brought before it. His position on many of these decisions centered around his belief in a strong federal government.
John Marshall Silver Dollar Information
The John Marshall Silver Dollar marked the first time the US Mint portrayed a Supreme Court Justice on a coin. The authorizing law, signed by President George W. Bush on August 6, 2004, allowed for a maximum of 400,000 commemorative coins across all product options.
On the obverse of each silver dollar is an image of Chief Justice John Marshall, designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti. Mercanti based his work on the portrait of Marshall completed by French painter Charles-Balthazar-Julien Fevret de Saint-Memin in 1808. Also shown are the inscriptions CHIEF JUSTICE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT 1801-1835, JOHN MARSHALL, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2005 and the Philadelphia mintmark of "P".
2005-P Uncirculated John Marshall Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin
The reverse shows US Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver’s image of the old Supreme Court Chamber in the US Capitol Building. Construction of the chamber began in 1806. The the first Supreme Court session held there was in 1819, with Marshall presiding. Included as well are the inscriptions E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
A surcharge of $10 per coin was collected by the Mint and forwarded to the Supreme Court Historical Society, as dictated by the authorizing legislation.
The US Mint produced a second commemorative coin in 2005 known as the 2005 Marine Corps Silver Dollar.
2005 John Marshall Silver Dollar Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $1 |
| Composition: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Total Estimated Mintage: | 196,753 Proof; 67,096 Uncirculated |
| Diameter: | 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Minting Facility: | Philadelphia (P) |
| Obverse Design: | portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall |
| Obverse Designer: | John Mercanti / Charles-Balthazar-Julien Fevret de Saint-Memin |
| Reverse Design: | Image of Old Supreme Court Chamber |
| Reverse Designer: | Donna Weaver |
The commemorative 
The commemorative 
, author Eric Jordan and Contributing Editor Debbie Bradley show you how to include modern commemorative coins in your investments.
