The United States honored Chief Justice John Marshall with a commemorative coin in celebration of the 250th anniversary of his birth. The Chief Justice John Marshall Silver Dollar not only paid tribute to the Supreme Court of the United States, but also recognized the entire judicial branch of government. This was the first time a United States coin (regular issue or commemorative) had featured a Supreme Court Justice or the Supreme Court as an institution.

On February 4, 1801, John Marshall was sworn in as Chief Justice of the United States. He was the fourth man to serve in that capacity after the Court was created in 1789, and he served 34 years as Chief Justice.