The United States Mint is now selling the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins.
Collectors can obtain both the gold and silver coins in “proof” and “uncirculated” condition. A “proof” silver dollar is $54.95 and the “uncirculated” silver dollar is $49.95.
Costs of the “proof*” and “uncirculated*” gold coins, and the two-coin (gold and silver) set, are based on the Mint’s pricing structure for numismatic commemorative products containing gold and will be priced weekly. The pricing structure grid can be viewed online.
For more information about purchasing the coins, call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468), or 1-888-321-MINT (6468) for TTY calls. Online, visit the United States Mint at: www.usmint.gov/catalog.
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GOLD COIN
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Proof
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Uncirculated |
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The obverse ("heads" side) 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. |
The reverse ("tails" side) is 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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Proof
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Uncirculated
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The obverse ("heads" side) 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. |
The reverse ("tails" side) design is emblematic of the theme “The Star-Spangled Banner (flag)” and depicts a waving modern American flag.
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*Proof vs. Uncirculated
Proof coins have the same amount of precious metal in them as uncirculated coins. The finish is what makes them different.
Uncirculated coins
Uncirculated coins are specially prepared by the United States Mint to be saved and collected, and are not intended for everyday use. Commemorative uncirculated coins feature a beautiful satin finish and are struck with specially prepared dies. The term “uncirculated” can refer to: a particular coin manufacturing process; the degree of preservation or strike quality of a coin; or, a coin that has not been used in everyday commerce. However, at the United States Mint it refers to the manufacturing process.
Proof coins
The term "proof" refers to the coin's finish. Proof coins are the finest quality of coin produced by the United States Mint. Their frosted, sculpted foregrounds give them a special "cameo" effect, created by the exacting proofing process. The extraordinary brilliance and sharp relief of United States Mint proof coins shimmers with brilliant, mirror-like background surfaces. Proof blanks are specially treated, hand-polished, and cleaned to ensure high-quality strikes and receive multiple strikes resulting in sharper detail.
About the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin
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. 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.