U.S. Mint to Celebrate Working Dogs with Commemorative Coins in 2027

In 2027, the United States Mint will release a set of commemorative coins to honor the valuable contributions of working dogs. These dogs play important roles in areas like military service, therapy, law enforcement, and assisting those with disabilities. The coins will be made from gold, silver, and clad metals, with a limited number available for purchase.

The U.S. Mint will release three types of coins under the direction of the Department of the Treasury:

Types of Coins

• $5 Gold Coins: Limited to 50,000 pieces, these coins will weigh 8.359 grams and contain 90% gold.
• $1 Silver Coins: A total of 500,000 silver coins will be issued, each weighing 26.73 grams with at least 90% silver content.
• Half-Dollar Clad Coins: Limited to 750,000 pieces, these coins will weigh 11.34 grams.

The Design and Purpose

The designs of the coins will represent the hard work and dedication of working dogs, celebrating their roles in military service, therapy, law enforcement, and as assistance animals. The coins will feature common inscriptions like “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” and “E Pluribus Unum.” The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with America’s VetDogs and the Commission of Fine Arts, will choose the designs. Additionally, the designs will be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC).

Legislative Process

The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law No: 118-109) was signed into law by President Biden on November 25, 2023. This bill was introduced in February 2023 by Rep. Patrick T. McHenry, and the House approved it in May 2023. The Senate passed the bill in November 2023. This law aims to not only honor working dogs but also help raise funds for organizations like America’s VetDogs, which trains service dogs for veterans and first responders.

Pricing and Surcharges

The coins will be sold at a price that includes their face value, the cost of designing and issuing, plus a surcharge. Here’s the surcharge breakdown:

• $5 Gold Coin: $35 surcharge
• $1 Silver Coin: $10 surcharge
• Half-Dollar Clad Coin: $5 surcharge

The funds raised from these surcharges will support America’s VetDogs and assist with the training, care, and travel expenses for the dogs and their handlers.

Conclusion

The release of the commemorative coins in 2027 will be a way for Americans to celebrate and show appreciation for working dogs. These dogs make important contributions to society, and this initiative will help fund the training of more service dogs for veterans and first responders. The coins will also serve as a reminder of the essential role these dogs play in improving lives and protecting the nation.

Clean Water Network

FAQ’s