On August 16, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111–232), legistation calling for the United States Mint to create coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. 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 be 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. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza.
All four 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin designs were approved by the Secretary of the Treasury on Nov. 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.
Gold Coin
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| Obverse (heads side)
The obverse design 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.
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Reverse (tails side)
The reverse 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.
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| Silver Coin |
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| Obverse (heads side)
The obverse design is emblematic of the theme “The Battles of Baltimore at Fort McHenry” and features Lady Liberty waving the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner flag with Fort McHenry in the background. |
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Reverse (tails side)
The reverse design is emblematic of the theme “The Star-Spangled Banner (flag)” and depicts a waving modern American flag.
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