2012 STAR-SPANGLED BANNER
COMMEMORATIVE COIN DESIGNS UNVEILED

FREDERICK, MD (December 14) - Today the United States Mint unveiled the designs of the of the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins. On August 16, 2010, President Barack Obama signed a law, cosponsored by Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, directing the United States Mint to create coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. 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.

"As Marylanders we are all proud of the role our state has played in our nation's history and the creation of these commemorative coins will make it possible for us to bring greater attention to this bicentennial celebration," said Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD).

"This coin is a great honor and the product of years of hard work in an extremely competitive process," added Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). "It will help raise much-needed funds so we can properly celebrate the role Marylanders played in our nation's fight to victory and share that rich history with the rest of the country."

"The designs for the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins unveiled today honor Maryland's pivotal role in winning 'The Second War of Independence' - the War of 1812 - with the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry and inspiring the Star-Spangled Banner," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "These coins are a remarkable public tribute to the people, stories and history of Maryland."

The United States Mint will produce 100,000 gold coins and 500,000 silver coins. Prices for the coins will be announced in early 2012; coins will go on sale in March and will be sold only in 2012. Coin surcharges will provide up to $8.5 million in matching funds to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to support bicentennial activities, assist in educational outreach, and preserve sites and structures relating to the War of 1812.

"From the perilous naval engagement in the harbor with the Stars and Stripes waving above Fort McHenry, to the opening line of our National Anthem dramatically depicted in Francis Scott Key's handwriting, these gold and silver coins capture iconic symbols of the Battle of Baltimore, a critical conflict in the war to preserve our liberty," said United States Mint Deputy Director Richard A. Peterson.

All four 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

###

About the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins

Gold Coin

The obverse (heads) design is emblematic of the theme "The Battles at Sea During the War of 1812." It depicts a naval battle scene from the War of 1812 with an American sailing ship in the foreground and a damaged and fleeing British ship in the background. The reverse (tails) design is emblematic of the theme "The Star-Spangled Banner" and depicts the first words of the Star-Spangled Banner National 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 is emblematic of the theme "The Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry" and depicts Lady Liberty waving the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner flag with Fort McHenry in the background. The reverse (tails) is also emblematic of the theme "The Star-Spangled Banner" and depicts a waving modern American flag.

Gold Obverse

Gold Reverse

Silver Obverse

Silver Reverse

For more information about the Commemorative Coins, please visit http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/?action=commemoratives.

About Star-Spangled 200, Inc.

Star-Spangled 200, Inc. is the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the fundraising goals of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and is charged with helping to ensure the realization of successful programs, events, and community investment during the three-year commemoration period. For more information about the Coins and about the Star-Spangled Sailabration: visit www.starspangled200.com.

About the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

Established by Governor Martin O'Malley, the commission is staffed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism Film and the Arts. The bicentennial period runs from June 2012 through February 2015. It commemorates Maryland's unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the pivotal battle that led to an American victory and the birth of "The Star-Spangled Banner." For more information: visit www.starspangled200.org.