Washington Bill of Rights – 1 oz Silver Round

George Washington’s portrait and the text of the Second Amendment come together in this detailed Intaglio Mint silver round. Struck in 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver, the 39mm medal combines a radial portrait background with a scroll design commemorating the Bill of Rights. Its Brilliant Uncirculated finish highlights the contrast between the lettering, sculpted portrait and fine rays.

The First Ten Amendments

The Bill of Rights took effect on December 15, 1791, when the required number of states ratified ten amendments to the Constitution. Congress had proposed twelve amendments in September 1789; the ten adopted in 1791 became the familiar protections commemorated by this design. The reverse’s ten stars connect the featured Second Amendment to that wider constitutional milestone.

The obverse inscription draws from Washington’s first annual address to Congress on January 8, 1790. In that address, he linked an armed citizenry with discipline while discussing the young nation’s defense. Pairing that theme with the ratification date places the medal within the early republic’s debates about civic responsibility and the new constitutional system.

Obverse Design

A left-facing bust of Washington stands against a radial burst. The surrounding inscription reads “A FREE PEOPLE OUGHT NOT ONLY BE ARMED, BUT DISCIPLINED.” “GEORGE WASHINGTON” anchors the lower rim between stars. The inscription reflects the wording on the medal, which shortens the original address.

Reverse Design

A scroll bears the Second Amendment in incuse calligraphic lettering, with the silver weight and purity below. Crossed firearms appear beneath the scroll against a radial field. “BILL OF RIGHTS” curves above, and “DECEMBER 15, 1791” follows the lower rim. Five stars on each side represent the first ten amendments.

Specifications

• Silver weight: 1 troy ounce
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: 3.10mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

This round offers collectors a compact silver commemoration of Washington and a defining document of the early United States. Explore more designs in our silver round collection.