WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced the designs for the Star–Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins, scheduled for release in 2012. The Star–Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act (Act) (Public Law 111–232) authorizes the bureau to mint and issue up to 100,000 gold $5 coins and 500,000 silver $1 coins to commemorate the bicentennial of the writing of our national anthem. The coins will be available in proof and uncirculated qualities. The Act requires that the coins’ designs be emblematic of the War of 1812, particularly the Battle of Baltimore that formed the basis for the lyrics of “The Star–Spangled Banner.”
“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.
Gold Five–Dollar Coin
The obverse (heads side) design of the 2012 Star–Spangled Banner Commemorative Gold $5 Coin 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. Inscriptions are IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 1812 – 2012. The obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Joseph Menna.
The reverse (tails side) design is emblematic of the theme “The Star–Spangled Banner” (the song). It depicts the first words of the 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. Additional inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and FIVE DOLLARS. The reverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Richard Masters and sculpted by Mr. Menna.
Silver One–Dollar Coin
The obverse design of the 2012 Star–Spangled Banner Commemorative Silver $1 Coin is emblematic of the theme “The Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry.” The design depicts Lady Liberty waving the 15–star, 15–stripe Star–Spangled Banner flag, with Fort McHenry in the background. Inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2012. The obverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
The reverse design is emblematic of the theme “The Star–Spangled Banner” (the flag). It depicts a waving modern American flag. Inscriptions are ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The reverse was designed by AIP Associate Designer William C. Burgard III and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Don Everhart.
Surcharges collected from sales of the 2012 Star–Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins – $35 for each gold coin and $10 for each silver coin – are authorized to be paid to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The Commission will use these funds to support its bicentennial activities, educational outreach, and preservation and improvement of the sites and structures related to the War of 1812.
The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.