Star Spangled Banner Coins

The Star Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act, also known as H.R. 2894 was first introduced in the House of Representatives on June 28, 2007. The bill was introduced by Maryland’s Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger.

On May 15, 2008, the House passed the bill. There were 298 cosponsors of the bill, which calls for the production of commemorative coins to celebrate this important 200th anniversary.

This brings the Star Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Coins one step closer to becoming a reality. In order for the bill to become law, it must now pass a vote in the Senate and be signed by the President.

The Star Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act is a proposal for a new commemorative coin to be issued in 2012.

The Act would call for the production of up to 350,000 Silver Dollar Coins. Each would have a weight of 26.73 grams, diameter of 1.5 inches, and composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coins would be legal tender in the United states and have a face value of one dollar.

The Star Spangled Banner Coins would be issued in both proof and uncirculated versions. The coins could be issued only during the calendar year beginning January 1, 2012. All coins would include a surcharge of $10 per coin. The surcharges would be paid to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.

The design of the coins will be emblematic of the War of 1812 and particularly the Battle of Fort McHenry in 1814, which became the basis for the Star Spangled Banner. The final designs will be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the Star Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.