Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative $5 Gold Coin
- Year of Issue: 2012
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 111-232
Background
Recipient Organization: Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission
Surcharges collected from sales of the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins—$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.Commemorative Coin Surcharges
Commemorative coin programs are created by acts of Congress to honor a person, place, or event. Surcharges from the sales of these coins help fund a variety of organizations and projects that benefit the public. Commemorative coins are only available from the United States Mint for a limited time, as specified by public law.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads side) design of the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Gold Five-Dollar Coin 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 (tails) design is emblematic of the theme "The Star-Spangled Banner" (the song). It depicts 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.
Obverse Inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- 1812 — 2012
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- FIVE DOLLARS
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
Weight: 8.359 grams nominal
Diameter: 0.850 inch (±0.003) or 21.59 mm (±0.08)
Composition: 90 percent gold, 10 percent alloy
Mintage Limit: 100,000 across all product options
Place struck: United States Mint at West Point ("W" mint mark)
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Donna Weaver, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Richard Masters, Artistic Infusion Program