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2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins On Sale Now Until December 17, 2012!
The last day to purchase the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin will be on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins embody two of America's most enduring icons - the Star-Spangled Banner flag and anthem. When you buy a commemorative coin, you not only show support of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, but you also become part of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative coins can be purchased through the United States Mint website and at the Baltimore Visitor Center located at 401 Light St. Baltimore, MD 21202.
For hi-resolution images of the coins, click here
Show Your Commemorative Coin off in Style!
Baltimore-based Bosom Buddy Bags has created a stylish option to show off the coins. A special line of Star-Spangled handbags using the coins as decorative elements are available for purchase online.
The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins pay tribute to Maryland's vibrant people, stories and history.
-- Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
Coin sales will continue through mid-December 2012 and are only available through the United States Mint. The United States Mint will produce and issue up to 100,000 $5 gold coins and 500,000 $1 silver coins. Collectors can obtain both the gold and silver coins in "proof" and "uncirculated" condition. The gold and silver coin designs are emblematic of the War of 1812, particularly the Battle of Baltimore that formed the basis for the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner" National Anthem.
WBAL created this short Public Service Announcement about the Commemorative Coins.
Commemorative Coin Designs
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
On August 16, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a law, co-sponsored by Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, authorizing the United States Mint to create coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The law allows the Maryland War of 1812 Commission to receive up to $8.5 million in coin surcharges from the Mint to help support bicentennial activities, assist in educational outreach, and preserve sites and structures that have War of 1812 significance.
Gold Coin
The obverse (heads) design of the Gold Coin is emblematic of the theme "The Battles at Sea During the War of 1812" and depicts a naval battle scene from the War of 1812 featuring an American sailing ship in the foreground and a damaged and fleeing British ship in the background.
The reverse (tails) design, emblematic of the theme "The Star-Spangled Banner (Anthem)," features the first words of the Star-Spangled Banner Anthem, "O say can you see," in Francis Scott Key's handwriting against a backdrop of 15 stars and 15 stripes, representing the Star-Spangled Banner flag.
Silver Coin
The obverse (heads) design of the Silver Coin is emblematic of the theme "The Battles of Baltimore at Fort McHenry at Sea During the War of 1812" and features Lady Liberty waving the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner flag with Fort McHenry in the background.
The reverse (tails) design is also emblematic of the theme "The Star-Spangled Banner (flag)" and depicts a waving modern American flag.
All four 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin designs were approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on November 3, 2011, at the recommendation of the United States Mint, after consultation with the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, as well as reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
