The 2002 West Point Bicentennial Silver Dollars were one of two commemorative silver coins dated that year to be released by the US Mint. The coins celebrated 200 years since the establishment of the military academy located at West Point, NY.

These West Point Bicentennial Silver Dollars were struck to both proof and uncirculated condition from 90% silver to a diameter of 1.5 inches. A maximum of 500,000 of the strikes were authorized by the United States Military Academy Bicentennial Commemorative Coins Act (Public Law 103-328).

West Point was originally established as a fort during the American Revolutionary War with General Washington considering it the most strategic position in America. Its role as a military academy was signed into law by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Since then it has trained some of the greatest individuals an American military history including Ulysses S. Grant,Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Douglas MacArthur.

Today, the military academy is still in operation. Of note, the United States Mint also has a presence there with these coins actually struck in that facility.

Shown on the obverse of the silver dollars is a design including a cadet color guard in parade with the Military Academy’s Washington Hall and Cadet Chapel shown in the background. It was designed by designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver James Ferrell and also includes the inscriptions of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1802 and 2002.

The reverse shows the military academy’s bicentennial logo and was designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver John Mercanti. Included as well are the inscriptions of 1802, WEST POINT, 2002, BICENTENNIAL, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE DOLLAR.

Surcharges collected on the sale of the silver dollars was forwarded to the West Point Association of Graduates to provide for the academic, military, physical, moral and ethical development programs of the Corp of Cadets.