WASHINGTON — The United States Mint will open sales for the 2012 Star–Spangled Banner Bicentennial Silver Dollar Set on June 1 at noon Eastern Time (ET). The limited–edition set contains a proof quality Star–Spangled Banner Silver Dollar, a reproduction of one of Francis Scott Key’s original manuscripts of his poem “The Star–Spangled Banner,” the full lyrics to the “Star–Spangled Banner,” and information about our national anthem against colorful artwork depicting the battle between U.S. and British forces for Fort McHenry, Maryland. Mintage is limited to 50,000 sets.
The 2012 Star–Spangled Banner Bicentennial Silver Dollar Set is priced at $53.95. A household order limit of 100 units will be in place for a minimum of one week. It will be re–evaluated at that time and may be raised, lifted or extended. Orders will be accepted at the bureau’s online catalog, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, or at 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). Hearing– and speech–impaired customers may order by calling 1–888–321–MINT (6468). All domestic orders will be assessed a shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order.
The Star–Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111–232) authorizes the United States Mint to strike 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. Surcharges collected from coin sales – $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 was created by Congress in 1792. This year marks the bureau’s 220th anniversary. The United States Mint 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.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on–sale date and time of June 1, 2012, at noon ET, shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint’s Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.