The White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946 is honored to present


Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Commemorative Coin

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Trailblazer's Journey to the Supreme Court

by Anthony Giannini

Early Life and Education

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born Joan Ruth Bader on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, emerged as one of the most influential figures in American jurisprudence. The daughter of Nathan and Celia Bader, Ginsburg grew up in a modest household that emphasized the importance of education. Her mother, in particular, was a significant influence, encouraging Ruth to pursue higher education and a professional career, despite the societal norms of the time.

Ginsburg attended James Madison High School in Brooklyn and later graduated from Cornell University in 1954, where she met her future husband, Martin D. Ginsburg. She continued her education at Harvard Law School, where she was one of only nine women in a class of about 500 men. Despite facing gender discrimination, she excelled academically, later transferring to Columbia Law School, where she graduated tied for first in her class in 1959.

Early Career and Advocacy

After law school, Ginsburg faced significant barriers in the legal profession due to her gender. She eventually secured a clerkship with Judge Edmund L. Palmieri of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Following her clerkship, she joined the faculty at Rutgers Law School in 1963 and later at Columbia Law School, becoming the first tenured female professor at Columbia.

Ginsburg’s legal career was marked by her tireless advocacy for gender equality and civil liberties. As co-founder of the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1972, she argued six landmark cases on gender equality before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning five. Her strategic litigation established new precedents, ensuring that laws treating men and women differently were subject to rigorous judicial scrutiny.

Appointment to the Supreme Court

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Her tenure on the appellate court was distinguished by her meticulous legal reasoning and commitment to justice. On June 14, 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court, and she was confirmed by the Senate on August 3, 1993, becoming the second woman to serve on the nation's highest court.

As a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg was known for her measured and incisive opinions, her unwavering commitment to gender equality, and her powerful dissents in cases where she believed the majority opinion eroded civil rights. Her work significantly shaped American law and society, reinforcing protections against gender discrimination and advancing the rights of women.

Legacy and Commemoration

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy extends beyond her judicial decisions. She became a cultural icon, known affectionately as the "Notorious RBG," and inspired generations of lawyers and activists. Her life and work were celebrated in books, films, and even operas, highlighting her profound impact on American culture and law.

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In honor of her exemplary life and contributions, the United States White House Gift Shop, established in 1946, is proud to introduce a limited edition Ruth Bader Ginsburg Heritage Commemorative Coin. This elegant coin is a tribute to her enduring legacy and features the following:

• Limited Edition of 250: Each coin is part of a select, exclusive collection.

• Edge Numbering: Each coin is individually numbered along the edge.

• Certificate of Authenticity: Every coin comes with a certificate that includes a biographical citation of Justice Ginsburg and a hand-entered edition number.

• Velvet Presentation Case: The coin is encased in a luxurious velvet presentation case, accompanied by an outer two-piece box adorned with the White House seal.

This commemorative coin not only honors Justice Ginsburg's remarkable life and career but also serves as a cherished keepsake for those who admire her dedication to justice and equality. It stands as a testament to her monumental contributions to American society and the legal profession.By owning this limited edition coin, collectors and admirers can keep alive the memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's unwavering fight for justice, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire future generations.