U.S. Mint Unveils 'Star-Spangled Banner' Coins
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Mint is unveiling the designs of two coins commemorating the 200th anniversary of the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The designs depict the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 that was the basis for the national anthem.
The U.S. Mint will produce 100,000 gold coins and 500,000 silver coins. The front of the silver coin shows a woman waving an American flag from the period with Fort McHenry in the background.
The gold coin depicts warships on the front and the words "O say can you see" on the reverse.
The coins will go on sale in March and will be sold only in 2012. Surcharges will provide up to $8.5 million in matching funds to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
