Girl Scouts Commemorative Coin Passes House

Legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday that would authorize the United States Mint to strike up to 350,000 commemorative silver dollars in 2013 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the USA.

The Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, or H.R. 621, was introduced on Jan. 21 by Rep. Jack Kingston. It represents a second attempt at passage as the first version failed to make its way through last year’s 110th Congress.

The final outcome for this bill would seem to be different. It had the support of 304 cosponsors and easily passed in the House by a simple voice vote. Then there is the Boy Scouts Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, which was signed into law in October of 2008. It would seem an unsupportable position to honor the Boy Scouts next year for their 100th anniversary, and then not do the same for the Girl Scouts on their centennial.

"On behalf of current and former Girl Scouts across the country, we are honored and delighted by the passage, which recognizes Girl Scouts’ century of service and leadership," said Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "We are especially grateful for the leadership of Congressman Jack Kingston, who has been such a strong supporter of Girl Scouts. We look forward to celebrating the next 100 years of Girl Scouts."

As is typical with legislation involving coins, H.R. 621 does not contain specific coin design language except for the standard commemorative inscriptions (Liberty’, ‘In God We Trust’, ‘United States of America’, and ‘E Pluribus Unum’), weight (26.73 grams) and dimensions (diameter of 1.5 inches). The final design would involve collaborative efforts between the United States Mint, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The coins would be minted in proof and uncirculated condition.

The Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act includes a provision for a $10 surcharge per coin paid to the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and made available for Girl Scout program development and delivery.

H.R. 621 is currently before the Senate. Members there have the option to move on it or their own version (S. 451), which was introduced on Feb. 25 by Sen. Susan Collins.

For coinage legislation to become law, it must pass in the House, the Senate and get signed by the President.