May 19, 2008 5:55 pm US/Eastern
Md. To Get National Anthem Commemorative Coin
Reporting
Ron Matz
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
The national anthem was written in Baltimore. Now, Maryland's rich history will be recognized with a Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin.
Ron Matz reports the coin is expected to be a collector's item in the future.
The Baltimore City College Choir did the honors at the Maryland Historical Society Monday. It was a special moment as the choir sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" in the city where in 1814 bombs were bursting in air.
"I think patriotic music is very important to the music education program, so to have this opportunity to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at this setting is a tremendous honor," said Linda Hall, Baltimore City College choir director.
Now Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger says a bill he sponsored will lead to a Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin.
"We introduced a bill to create a commemorative coin for the War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner. I was able to get over 300 signatures of members of Congress to go on the bill with me, and we passed it last Friday," said Ruppersberger.
The coin will be minted in 2012 to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
You can see the original Star-Spangled Banner manuscript on display at the Maryland Historical Society.
Only 300,000 Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coins will be produced. They will cost $10 and are expected to be collectors items.
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