Commemorative coins honoring the bicentennial writing of the Star-Spangled Banner are one step closer to becoming a reality. The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed its versions of the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 2097) by a roll call vote of 419 to 1, with 13 members absent.

H.R. 2097, like the Senate companion bill S. 653, would authorize the US Mint to strike up to 100,000 $5 gold coins and a maximum of 500,000 silver dollars that are “emblematic of the War of 1812 and particularly the Battle for Baltimore that formed the basis for the Star-Spangled Banner.” The coins would be minted in 2012.

Surcharges of $35 for each gold coin sale and $10 for each silver coin sale would be paid to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission for the purpose of supporting bicentennial activities. Read the rest of this entry »

Following a two-week recess, legislatures returned to work and quickly added three coinage related bills in three days. The two newest bills on Thursday complement legislation already introduced.

In the House, Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger sponsored H.R. 2097. The bill is a companion to the Senate’s S. 653, known as the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act. The legislation would authorize 500,000 silver $1s and 100,000 $5 gold coins in proof and uncirculated for 2012 to celebrate the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

In the Senate, Sen. John Kerry brought forth S. 883, which complements House bill H.R. 1209, known as the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009. The bill seeks 500,000 silver dollars and 100,000 $5 gold coins in proof and uncirculated for 2011 in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of Honor in 1861. Read the rest of this entry »