Bicentennial Set Includes Star-Spangled Banner Silver Coin

Beginning at Noon (Eastern) today, June 1, 2012, the United States Mint began offering a limited edition commemorative coin product for sale to the public. The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Silver Dollar Set is now available for $53.95. It includes one proof version of the Star-Spangled Banner Silver Coin.

Along with the proof silver coin, this new set also contains a reproduction of one of Francis Scott Key’s original manuscripts of his poem "The Star-Spangled Banner." Also found in the Bicentennial Set are the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner" itself, as well as information about the national anthem of the United States. These are presented with scenes representing the Battle of Baltimore fought during the War of 1812 between British naval forces and US forces at Fort McHenry.

Francis Scott Key witnessed the 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British naval forces, after which, he saw the flag still flying high above the fort indicating it had not fallen. The sight prompted him to write the words to a poem which would eventually become the United States national anthem.

Commemorating the bicentennial of that writing as well as the War of 1812 itself, Congress authorized the United States Mint to strike commemorative coins marking the occasion with the passage of the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111-232). Under the Act, a maximum of 100,000 $5 gold coins and 500,000 $1 silver coins may be issued.

Star-Spangled Banner Silver Dollars actually made their debut on March 5, 2012 and are currently available individually in both proof and uncirculated qualities. Pricing for the commemoratives currently stands at $49.95 for the uncirculated silver coin and $54.95 for the proof silver coin (which, incidentally, is $1 more than this new Bicentennial Set which also contains it).

Commemorative Silver Dollar Designs

Displayed on the obverse of the silver coin is a design emblematic of the theme "The Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry." It shows Fort McHenry in the background with Lady Liberty waving the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner flag in front. Obverse inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2012 with design work completed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpting by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

The reverse is emblematic of the theme of "The Star-Spangled Banner" (the flag) and shows a modern waving American flag. Inscriptions on the reverse include 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 and Order Information

Surcharges authorized by Congress are collected on the sale of the silver dollar in the amount of $10, which is included in the aforementioned pricing. These surcharges (along with $35 surcharges per gold coin sold) are to be forwarded to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to support its activities pertaining to the sites and structures relating to the War of 1812.

Orders for the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Silver Dollar Set may be placed via the U.S. Mint’s online store: http://www/usmint.gov/catalog, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

For the first week, the U.S. Mint is placing a household order limit of 100 units on the Bicentennial Set. This amount will be re-evaluated after one week and adjusted, if needed. The product limit for the set has been established at 50,000 units.