Malcolm Rivera
In 1987, the 200th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution was celebrated. To commemorate this event, a We The People silver dollar coin was issued, with a gold version also available. The coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint and features a design depicting a large quill pen, parchment, and the words THE U.S. CONSTITUTION 200TH ANNIVERSARY – 1787 – LIBERTY – 1987. The anniversary was a significant event, providing an opportunity to educate the public about the history and importance of the Constitution, which outlines the powers of the three branches of the US government and sets out basic freedoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 1987 |
| Type | Congress Commemorative |
| Metal Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Denomination | $1 |
| Maximum Minted | 500,000 |
| Actual Minted | 365,570 (Proof) and 159,266 (Uncirculated) |
| Mint | Philadelphia and Denver |
| Designer | Marcel Jovine |
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What You'll Learn
Commemorative coins
One notable example is the 1987 US Constitution 200th Anniversary "We The People" Silver Dollar. This commemorative coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, as indicated by the 'S' mint mark. It features a design depicting a large quill pen, similar to the ones used by the authors of the Constitution in 1787. The pen rests on sheets of parchment, representing the historical document itself. The first three words of the preamble, "We The People," are prominently displayed across the bottom. The periphery of the coin is inscribed with the words "THE U.S. CONSTITUTION 200th ANNIVERSARY – 1787 – LIBERTY – 1987" and adorned with 13 five-pointed stars. The reverse side of the coin depicts a diverse group of American citizens from different walks of life and time periods, with the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – DOLLAR 1".
The 1987 US Constitution Bicentennial Silver Dollar was struck in uncirculated condition at the Philadelphia Mint, with a total of 451,629 coins produced. These coins had a purity of .900 silver and weighed approximately 26.8 grams. They were often presented in special packaging, such as a blue box or a display case, and sometimes accompanied by stamps and medals as part of a commemorative set.
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Medals
In 1985, the commission in charge of planning the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution requested permission from Congress to sell medals, coins, and stamps to raise funds for its activities. The commission, headed by Chief Justice Warren Burger, started with a $300,000 budget.
The U.S. Constitution 200th Anniversary "We The People" Silver Dollar was minted in 1987 to commemorate the bicentennial. The silver dollar coin was minted in San Francisco, as indicated by the 'S' mint mark, and had a purity of 90%. A gold coin was also produced, with the silver and gold coins sold together in a display case.
The design of the coin depicted a large quill pen, similar to the ones used by the authors of the Constitution in 1787, resting on several sheets of parchment. The first three words of the preamble to the Constitution, "We The People", are written in large font across the bottom of the document. The periphery of the coin features the words "The U.S. Constitution 200th Anniversary – 1787 – Liberty – 1987", surrounded by 13 five-pointed stars. The reverse side of the coin depicts a diverse group of American citizens from different walks of life and time periods, with the words "E Pluribus Unum – United States of America – Dollar 1" around the edge.
A total of 451,629 Silver Dollar coins were struck in Uncirculated condition at the Philadelphia Mint.
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Stamps
In 1987, the United States Postal Service (USPS) released a series of stamps to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. The first stamp was issued on July 4, 1987, with subsequent stamps released over the next three years, concluding in 1990.
The series, known as the "Ratification of the Constitution Bicentennial Issue", included thirteen stamps, each commemorating the ratification of the US Constitution by individual states. The stamps were released in the order that the states ratified the Constitution, with the first stamp honouring Delaware, followed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Interestingly, these first three stamps were issued a few months before their respective states' 200th anniversaries of ratification.
The stamp designs featured a hand holding a quill pen, with most including the Constitution in the background. The artist, Howard Koslow, submitted five different versions of his design, in both horizontal and vertical formats. The final selected design depicted the preamble of the US Constitution being signed, though it is worth noting that it was actually the fourth page of the document that was signed.
The issuance of these stamps was part of a broader effort to educate the public about the significance of the Constitution and its creation. Lynne Cheney, a commission member, emphasised the importance of understanding how this document came into being and how it has ensured 200 years of ordered liberty. The commission sought permission to sell stamps as a means of fundraising for their educational activities and promotional efforts surrounding the 200th anniversary of the Constitution.
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Fundraising activities
The 23-member commission, headed by Chief Justice Warren Burger, was tasked with planning fundraising and promotional activities for the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in 1987. The commission started with a $300,000 budget and asked Congress for permission to sell coins, medals, and stamps to raise funds for its activities.
One of the commission's primary goals was to educate the public about the significance of the bicentennial and how it differed from the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1976. They aimed to highlight the ongoing process of understanding how the Constitution was created and its role in providing 200 years of ordered liberty.
To achieve their fundraising goals, the commission could consider various activities such as:
- Selling commemorative coins: The United States Mint has a long history of producing commemorative coins to honor significant people, places, events, and institutions. These coins are legal tender but are not meant for general circulation. The sale of these coins has successfully raised funds for important causes, with a portion of the proceeds going to community organizations and projects.
- Medals and stamps sales: In addition to coins, the commission can sell medals and stamps featuring designs that commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Constitution. These collectibles can be offered as limited editions to increase their value and appeal to collectors.
- Fundraising events: Organizing fundraising events such as galas, auctions, or history-themed educational workshops can engage the public and generate funds. These events can include auctions of special coin, medal, or stamp collections.
- Corporate sponsorships: Partnering with corporations or businesses that align with the values of the Constitution can provide additional funding. Sponsorships can be offered at different levels with corresponding benefits, such as exclusive event sponsorships or long-term partnerships.
- Public donations: Educating the public about the significance of the bicentennial can inspire donations from individuals who want to support the commission's activities and promote civic engagement.
By combining these fundraising activities with promotional efforts, the commission can effectively raise funds and increase public awareness and engagement around the 200th anniversary of the Constitution.
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The Constitution's impact on the nation's stability
The US Constitution, signed in 1787, has had a profound and enduring impact on the nation's stability. It outlines the powers of the three branches of government and sets out the country's fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the right to a speedy trial. This document has provided a framework for the country's governance and ensured stability through its principles and provisions.
One of the key ways the Constitution has contributed to stability is by fostering economic confidence and growth. The Constitution promotes sound fiscal management and responsible financial practices, such as a commitment to balanced budgets and controlled public debt. This, in turn, enhances the country's creditworthiness and lowers borrowing costs, leading to economic growth and resilience. The Constitution also plays a crucial role in contract enforcement, ensuring that contractual agreements are honoured and reducing transaction costs for businesses. This creates a stable and predictable environment for businesses to operate and makes the country an attractive destination for both domestic and international investment, further contributing to economic stability.
The Constitution's establishment of a representative and democratic form of government was a significant departure from the monarchical rule of older nations. By enshrining the principle of rule by popular consent, the Constitution empowered the people and laid the foundation for a stable and accountable political system. The separation of powers and checks and balances inherent in the Constitution prevent any single branch of government from wielding unchecked power, thereby protecting against arbitrary rule and ensuring a balanced approach to lawmaking.
Additionally, the US Constitution has had a notable impact beyond America's borders. Its influence was particularly strong in former European colonies transitioning to self-governance, as they referenced the US Constitution in developing their own freely elected governments. The Constitution's principles of separation of powers, judicial review, and protection of individual rights inspired nations in Latin America, Africa, and elsewhere as they crafted their constitutions and models of government. This global influence underscores the stability and resilience that the US Constitution has fostered, both domestically and internationally.
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Frequently asked questions
451,629 coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
The obverse of the coin features a quill pen atop several sheets of parchment, with the words "We The People" emblazoned across the bottom. The reverse depicts a group of American citizens from different walks of life and time periods, with the words "E Pluribus Unum – United States of America – Dollar 1" around the periphery.
The coin commemorates the 200th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. It celebrates the document that outlines the powers of the three branches of government and sets down basic freedoms, including freedom of religion and freedom of the press.
