TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July 16, 2004

                                                                                         

 

HR 2768 John Marshall Commemorative Coin Act

 

 

BRIEF

  John Marshall was the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court from 1801 to 1835 and, Congress finds he authored over 500 opinions ‘including the most important cases decided by the Supreme Court during his tenure.’ Although he presided over numerous cases that defined constitutional law the most notable was establishing the doctrine of judicial review through which Federal courts could declare legislation unconstitutional.

   Justice Marshall was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, a member of Congress and Secretary of State.

   The coin will commemorate Justice Marshall’s 250th birthday. (Justice Marshall was born in 1755.)

    No more than 400,000 $1 coins will be minted each weighing 26.73 grams, 1 ½ inches in diameter and containing 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. The coins will be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities beginning January 1, 2005. No coins will be minted after December 31, 2005.

   The coins will cost $1 dollar with an additional $10 per coin, Bulk order discounts are in order as well as discounts for early orders.

   Money from coin sales left over after paying for the cost of design, production and distribution of the coins will be spent to support historical research and educational programs about the Supreme Court and the US Constitution, fellowship programs, internships and docents at the Supreme Court. Remaining found will also be used for collecting and preserving Supreme Court related antiques, artifacts and other historical items. The funds will be managed by the non-profit Supreme Court Historical Society.

  The bill would also limit to two the number of commemorative coins that the mint can issue per year.

 

Sponsor: Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL-6th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote.  

Cost to the taxpayers:  CBO calculates that sales could produce $4 million in revenue but estimates that $1.5 million is more likely. ## All Rights Reserved. No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongres