How to Identify the U.S. Constitution Bicentennial Silver Dollar
A collector's guide to spotting the 1987 quill-pen Constitution commemorative dollar by its designs, size, silver alloy, and mint marks.
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Begin with the obverse, which is the most distinctive feature. A genuine Constitution Bicentennial dollar shows a feather quill pen together with the words "We the People" and the paired dates 1787-1987. That quill-and-text combination is unique to this issue and separates it from other modern commemorative dollars at a glance.
Turn to the reverse, which depicts a group of standing figures in relief representing Americans of different walks of life united under the Constitution, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Together with the obverse, this confirms the unity theme rather than an eagle, building, or portrait used on other commemoratives.
Verify the physical specifications. The coin is a full-size silver dollar at about 38.1 mm in diameter and roughly 26.7 grams, struck in a 90% silver / 10% copper alloy with a reeded edge. A scale and caliper are the best authentication tools: a piece that is underweight, undersized, or has a plain edge should be questioned. Real silver of this alloy is non-magnetic.
Check the mint mark, located near the date. A P indicates the uncirculated Philadelphia strike and an S indicates the San Francisco proof; neither is an error. Do not confuse this dated 1987 dollar with the separate Constitution gold five-dollar coin from the same program, which is smaller and gold-colored. For higher-grade or higher-value purchases, favor coins in sealed PCGS or NGC holders, and be cautious of pieces sold loose without original Mint packaging.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quickest way to identify this coin?
Look for the quill pen with "We the People" and the dates 1787-1987 on the obverse. That combination is specific to the 1987 Constitution Bicentennial dollar.
Where is the mint mark and what does it mean?
It sits near the date. A P marks the uncirculated Philadelphia coin and an S marks the San Francisco proof; both are normal for this issue.
How do I check that it is really silver?
Confirm the diameter near 38.1 mm and weight near 26.7 grams, look for a reeded edge, and check that it is non-magnetic. These match the 90% silver specification.
Could I confuse it with the Constitution gold coin?
The same 1987 program also issued a gold five-dollar coin, but that piece is smaller and gold in color. This silver dollar is larger, silver-colored, and denominated ONE DOLLAR.