The 2005 John Marshall Commemorative Silver Dollar was the first of two commemorative silver coins issued by the U.S. Mint in that year. Released on April 25, 2005, this coin honored John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.
The coin was authorized by the Chief Justice John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-290), which emphasized his profound impact on the nation’s history. Marshall’s legacy extended beyond his time as Chief Justice, including his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, a member of Congress, and Secretary of State. His leadership significantly shaped the Supreme Court, particularly through establishing the doctrine of judicial review.
The John Marshall Commemorative Silver Dollar was struck in both proof and uncirculated versions, with an initial maximum mintage of 400,000 coins. Ultimately, the final mintage reached 263,849 coins.
On the obverse side, the coin features a left-facing portrait of John Marshall, created by U.S. Mint engraver John Mercanti. This design is based on the work of French artist Charles-Balthazar-Julien Fevret de Saint-Memin. The inscriptions on the obverse include “JOHN MARSHALL,” “CHIEF JUSTICE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT, 1801-1836,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2005.”