At this moment, in Baltimore, the United States Mint is unveiling the designs for the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins (shown here).

Authorized by an Act of Congress signed by President Obama on August 16, 2010 and sponsored by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD), the commemorative coins mark the 200th anniversary of the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that was destined to become our National Anthem.

The gold and silver coin designs are emblematic of events in The War of 1812, especially the Battle of Baltimore that formed the backdrop against which Francis Scott Key penned his memorable words. The United States Mint will produce 100,000 gold coins and 500,000 silver coins. Prices will be announced in early 2012. Coins will be sold beginning in March and running throughout the remainder of the year.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said the coins honor his state's pivotal role in "The Second War of Independence."

"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.”

Mint Deputy Director Richard A. Peterson said the chosen designs reflect events in the war that allowed the United State's to maintain its independence from Great Britain.

“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 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. They were also reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

About the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins

Gold Coin
The obverse 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 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 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 is also emblematic of the theme “The Star-Spangled Banner” and depicts a waving modern American flag.

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

To download the Coin images, please visit www.starspangled200.com.