Simone Lawson
The 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar coin was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. Designed by Patricia Verani, this coin is 90% silver and features a quill pen, a sheaf of parchment, and the words We the People on its obverse. The reverse of the coin features a cross-section of Americans from different historical periods. With a federal government-approved production of 10 million coins, each charged at a $7 surcharge, this commemorative coin is a sought-after collectible. So, how much is the 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar coin worth today?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse | A quill pen, a sheaf of parchment, and the words "We the People" |
| Reverse | A cross-section of Americans from different time periods |
| Designer | Patricia L. Verani |
| Mint | Philadelphia Mint |
| Year Issued | 1987 |
| Occasion | 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution |
| Number Minted | 10 million |
| Surcharge | $7 |
| Current Value | Varies, but one source mentions a price of $35 |
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What You'll Learn
The coin's design
The 1987 $1 Silver United States Constitution Commemorative Coin was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, which was originally implemented on September 17, 1787. The coin was designed by Patricia Verani (or Patricia Lewis Verani, according to another source) and minted at the Philadelphia Mint.
The obverse of the coin shows an image of a quill pen and a sheet of parchment with the words "We the People" and "In God We Trust." It also includes the inscriptions "The U.S. Constitution," "200th Anniversary," "1787," "Liberty," and "1987." The quill and parchment are symbolic of the writing and signing of the Constitution, and "We the People" is a phrase taken from the document itself, emphasizing the idea of a government of, by, and for the people.
The reverse of the coin features a representation of different American citizens from various time periods, reflecting contrasting lifestyles. This side of the coin is inscribed with the phrases "E Pluribus Unum," "United States of America," and "One Dollar." The inclusion of diverse citizens highlights the impact of the Constitution on the lives of all Americans and underscores the principles of unity and diversity that are central to the nation's identity.
The design of the 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar Coin skillfully combines symbolic imagery, iconic phrases, and historical references to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. By incorporating elements such as the quill pen and parchment, the coin pays tribute to the drafting and signing of this foundational document. At the same time, the depiction of diverse American citizens serves as a reminder of the Constitution's enduring relevance and its role in shaping the nation's democratic ideals.
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How many were distributed
The 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar coin was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution, which was originally implemented on September 17, 1787. The coin features a quill pen and parchment on its obverse side, along with the motto "We the People," and depicts American citizens from different time periods on the reverse side, representing different lifestyles.
The maximum authorised mintage for these commemorative coins was 10 million across proof and uncirculated versions. The coins were offered individually or as part of a two- or four-coin set. While the total sales exceeded 3 million coins, the final mintages for the individual versions varied:
- 1987-P Uncirculated Constitution Silver Dollar: 451,629
- 1987-S Proof Constitution Silver Dollar: 2,747,116
The value of these coins depends on their condition and packaging. In circulated condition, they are worth at least their weight in silver, which is approximately $25. In mint packaging, the 1987 P and S Constitution silver dollars are valued at around $30.
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The surcharge and its purpose
The 1987 $1 Silver United States Constitution Commemorative Coin was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, which was originally implemented on September 17, 1787. Designed by Patricia Verani, a graduate of the Boston Museum School and winner of a national contest, the coin features a quill pen and paper on the obverse, with American citizens on the reverse.
The federal government approved the production of up to 10 million of these coins and implemented a $7 surcharge on each coin. The purpose of this surcharge was to raise funds to pay down the national debt, and it successfully generated over $50 million for this cause.
The surcharge was an innovative way to not only commemorate a significant historical event but also to involve citizens in contributing to a national financial goal. By attaching a surcharge to these coins, the government was able to raise awareness about the national debt while also encouraging people to own a piece of history.
This surcharge served as a form of crowd-funding for debt reduction, allowing everyday Americans to contribute in a small but meaningful way. It transformed the coin from a simple commemorative item into a symbol of civic engagement and financial responsibility. Each coin sold represented not just a celebration of the Constitution but also a tangible step towards fiscal stability for the nation.
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The coin's purity
The 1987 $1 Silver United States Constitution Commemorative Coin was minted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. This coin is 90% pure silver. It features an image of a quill pen and a sheaf of parchment on the obverse, with the words "We the People" and “In God We Trust". The reverse of the coin depicts several American citizens from different time periods, representing contrasting lifestyles.
The purity of silver in a coin is an important factor in determining its value. Silver is a precious metal that has been used in coinage for centuries. It is known for its lustrous shine and its ability to resist oxidation and tarnishing. Silver coins with a higher purity tend to be more valuable, both for their intrinsic metal content and their rarity.
The 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar is a modern coin, and as such, its silver content is relatively high compared to older coins. In the past, silver coins often contained a lower percentage of silver, and other base metals were added to increase durability and reduce production costs. However, with advancements in minting technology, it became possible to create coins with higher silver purity while still maintaining their structural integrity.
The 90% silver composition of the 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar is a standard purity for many silver coins minted during the late 20th century. This level of purity strikes a balance between the coin's value as a precious metal and its durability for circulation. Coins with higher silver content, such as those minted for collectors or special editions, may have a purity of 99.9% or higher, but these are typically not intended for everyday use.
The purity of the 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar contributes to its value as a collectible item and an investment. Silver is a sought-after metal in the bullion market, and coins with a known silver content are often purchased as a store of value. Additionally, the coin's historical significance and limited mintage further enhance its appeal to collectors, potentially driving up its value beyond the worth of its silver content alone.
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The designer
The 1987 $1 Silver United States Constitution Commemorative Coin was designed by Patricia Verani (or Patricia Lewis Verani). It was issued to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution, which was originally implemented on September 17, 1787. The coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and is made of 90% pure silver.
The obverse of the coin, designed by Verani, features a quill pen and a sheet of parchment with the words "We the People." It also includes the inscriptions "The U.S. Constitution," "200th Anniversary," "1787," "Liberty," "1987," and "In God We Trust." The obverse design symbolizes the drafting and writing of the Constitution, with the quill pen and parchment representing the tools used in the process.
On the other hand, the reverse of the coin depicts several American citizens from different time periods, representing the diverse and contrasting lifestyles of the American people. This side of the coin is a reminder of the Constitution's role in governing the nation and protecting the rights of its citizens.
Verani's design was carefully chosen to commemorate this significant event in American history. The coin serves as a reminder of the country's commitment to liberty, unity, and the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. By featuring both the drafting of the document and the people it serves, the coin presents a comprehensive view of the Constitution's importance and impact.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1987 Constitution Silver Dollar Coin was issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution and is 90% silver. While I can't give you an exact value, some sources suggest that the federal government approved the production of 10 million of these coins, charging a surcharge of $7 for each. This effort raised over $50 million.
The obverse of the coin features a quill pen, a sheaf of parchment, and the words "We the People", with the inscriptions: "The U.S. Constitution 200th Anniversary 1787 Liberty 1987". The reverse features a cross-section of Americans from different time periods, representing contrasting lifestyles.
The coin was designed by Patricia L. Verani, a graduate of the Boston Museum School and winner of a national contest for this design.
