Governor Martin O’Malley Applauds Senate Passage Of Bill To Create Commemorative Coin Honoring the Star-Spangled Banner

Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to Receive up to $8.5 Million

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley applauded the unanimous passage of H.R. 2097, The Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act, which was passed earlier this week. Already approved by a vote of 419 to 1 by the House of Representatives, the measure will now go directly to the President for his signature.

“We are extremely grateful to the entire Maryland Congressional delegation for its assistance in making this happen,” said Governor O’Malley. “Congressman Ruppersberger and Senator Cardin deserve special thanks for their leadership in sponsoring the legislation and securing the required co-sponsorship of 2/3 of the membership of each house. I'd also like to thank the Members of Congress who shared our commitment enough to join as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.”

Under self-imposed rules, Congress limits to two per year the number of commemorative coins authorized. Congress also requires coin bill sponsors to secure co-sponsorship by 2/3 of the membership before they will be considered by committees of jurisdiction to limit the number of coins considered to those most broadly supported.

H.R. 2097 directs the U.S. Treasury to produce 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 100,000 $5 gold coins that would be issued beginning January 1, 2012. Although legal tender, the coins would be subject to surcharges paid to the Treasury. Those surcharges, which could total up to $8.5 million, would be paid by Treasury to the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. Every dollar of coin surcharges received by the Commission must be matched by an equal amount of private funds.

“The Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin is the cornerstone for all of our bicentennial fundraising efforts,” said Raymond “Chip” Mason, founder of Legg Mason Inc. and chairman of the Commission. “With this important development we are confident that foundation and corporate sponsors will join to create the funds necessary for the 1812 Commission.

The national bicentennial will kick off in Maryland in June 2012, the 200th anniversary of the U.S declaration of war against Great Britain. In September 2014 the nation will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner.

To learn more about the Commission and the bicentennial in Maryland, visit www.starspangled200.org.