Coins Honoring War Of 1812 Now On Sale
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's a big day for Baltimore. Starting Monday, you can buy two commemorative coins honoring the bicentennial observance of the War of 1812.
Ron Matz reports proceeds will help fund a big celebration that will bring hundreds of thousands of people to Charm City.
They're beautiful in silver and gold and lines formed quickly when the coins went on sale at Fort McHenry.
Proceeds from the sale will help fund events marking the War of 1812's bicentennial.
"It's a big day for Baltimore and the country. Right now, we are going to celebrate the War of 1812. The focus will be on us; we're real excited about it," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. "It will mean jobs and a lot of revenue coming to our city."
The special coins are on sale this year only.
"It will raise, we hope, in excess of $8 million that will be used by the Bicentennial Commission to celebrate the War of 1812. We will highlight Maryland because Maryland was the key state in repelling the British in 1814," said Senator Ben Cardin. "They're on sale today and only this year. It's a limited opportunity to buy it during the year of 2012. Sales will end in December of this year so we urge people to take advantage of this part of history."
As part of the celebration in June, more than 200 tall ships and naval vessels will visit Baltimore. They're expected to bring up to a half million people to the city.
It's a picture perfect time to celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner, the land of the free and the home of the brave.
"We're ramping up. This June, we'll have the Blue Angels doing a special air show over Fort McHenry reflecting the golden age of the U.S. Navy. This summer is the kick-off. We'll have special programs here at Fort McHenry and throughout the state of Maryland," said ranger Vince Vaise. "I'm going to get my coin today. It's awesome; this is fantastic. To coin a phrase, this is the kick-off for the bicentennial of the War of 1812."
For more information on the various prices of the new coins, click here.
