The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner $5 Gold Coin commemorates the bicentennial of the creation of the U.S. national anthem and the events surrounding its writing. Alongside this gold coin, the U.S. Mint also issued a commemorative silver dollar to mark the same occasion. These coins, together with a two-coin proof set, were launched on March 5, 2012.
2012 Star-Spangled Banner $5 Coin (Proof and Uncirculated Versions)
The Star-Spangled Banner was originally penned as a poem by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British naval forces during the War of 1812. Later set to music, it became the U.S. national anthem in 1931.
Like all modern commemorative gold coins from the U.S. Mint, the Star-Spangled Banner $5 Gold Coin consists of 90% gold and has a diameter of 0.850 inches. The maximum mintage for both the proof and uncirculated versions is capped at 100,000, with all coins bearing the “W” mintmark from the West Point Mint.
2012 Star-Spangled Banner Two-Coin Proof Set
The prices for numismatic gold products from the U.S. Mint are subject to weekly adjustments based on fluctuations in the London gold Fix. During the introductory period between March 5 and April 5, 2012, prices for the coins were reduced by $5. On the release date, the proof $5 gold coin was priced at $529.30, the uncirculated version at $519.30, and the two-coin proof set at $579.30. The set includes both the proof $5 gold coin and a proof silver dollar. These items were available for purchase through the U.S. Mint’s website at
The gold and silver coins were authorized by Congress through the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111-232), signed into law by President Barack Obama on August 16, 2010.
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“Baltimore is proud to be the home of the Star-Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem, right here in our backyard. This coin will highlight the critical role Maryland played in the creation of our nation and hopefully inspire people to learn about our state and our country’s rich history,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), who sponsored the legislation.
Under the terms of the legislation, the U.S. Mint collects a surcharge of $35 for each gold coin sold. These funds are directed to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to support bicentennial events and help preserve historical War of 1812 sites.
Design Details
The obverse of the Star-Spangled Banner $5 Gold Coin features a design symbolizing the theme “The Battles at Sea During the War of 1812.” It shows an American sailing ship in the foreground, with a damaged British ship fleeing in the background. The obverse inscriptions include IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and 1812 – 2012. The design was created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
The reverse design reflects the theme of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by displaying the first lines of the national anthem, “O say can you see,” written in Francis Scott Key’s handwriting, set against a backdrop of 15 stars and 15 stripes. The reverse inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and FIVE DOLLARS. This design was created by AIP Master Designer Richard Masters and also sculpted by Joseph Menna.