On the heels of their success in the London 2012 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps and other Olympic athletes from Maryland including Katie Ledecky of Bethesda and Suzanne Stettinius of Parkton were presented with a Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin at a celebration held on Monday, September 10, 2012 at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Michael Phelps, second from right, joins other Olympic athletes from Maryland, including Katie Ledecky, left, windsurfer Farrah Hall, second from left, and Suzanne Stettinius, third from right, and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, right, during a celebration of the achievements of Maryland Olympians. (Steve Ruark/AP Photo)

Olympian Michael Phelps shows his Star-Spangled spirit and receives a new piece of “metal” from Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, and Michael Phelps spoke at a ceremony honoring the achievements of Maryland Olympians. Following the remarks, Gov O’Malley present each athlete with a silver 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin in honor of their hard work and determination at the Olympic Games.

“Our Maryland Olympians’ resolve to work hard, train and excel embodies the spirit of our state,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “It’s only fitting that we honor them with these 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins, which pay tribute to Maryland’s vibrant people and extraordinary history.”

Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative held by the referee that was used at the Ravens-Browns game on September 10, 2012.

In addition, a Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin was used for the coin toss at the Baltimore Ravens’ season home opener at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens beat the Bengles 44-13

“As we celebrate a variety of sports on Monday, the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin will serve as a symbol to our local athletes of Maryland’s historic tie in defending our freedom during the War of 1812,” said Ann Beegle, executive director of Star-Spangled 200 Inc., the non-profit affiliate of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission prior to the game. “Baltimore is home to the Star-Spangled Banner and we are pleased to recognize these athletes’ dedication with a historic symbol of our state.”

The 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins, created in honor of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, exemplify the Star-Spangled Banner flag and Francis Scott Key’s poem, “The Defence of Fort McHenry” that became our national anthem. These are two of America’s most enduring icons. Coin sales will continue through December 17 and are only available through the United States Mint. The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative coins can be purchased through the United States Mint website, at United States Mint kiosks in Washington, DC (Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE and United States Mint Sales Counter, 801 9th Street NW) and at the Baltimore Visitor Center located at 401 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

Proceeds from the sales ($35 for each gold coin and $10 for each silver coin) to support the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission. The commission will use these funds to support its bicentennial activities, educational outreach, and preservation and improvement of the sites and structures related to the War of 1812. Help support the commission’s activities by purchasing a commemorative coin today!

Scott’s coin:
Scott's Silver Proof Coin photo 2012SSBsilverProof.jpg
Credits

  • AP photo courtesy of reachforthewall.com.
  • O’Malley/Phelps and Referee Coin images are courtesy of Star-Spangled 200, Inc.
  • Coin images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.
  • Image of Scott’s coin is owned by the author and covered under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 license.

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