On Tuesday, May 21, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill, the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 807), which calls for the the Secretary of the Treasury, through the U.S. Mint, to produce and issue commemorative coins in 2027 that honor the contributions of working dogs in society.
Sponsored by Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (NC), the bill recognizes the indispensable roles that these dogs play in various sectors, including military service, law enforcement, and assistance for people with disabilities.
"The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act will help get these incredible animals the recognition and appreciation they deserve. This legislation not only honors the working dogs who protect Americans at home and abroad, but also the extraordinary people that benefit from their service," Congressman Patrick McHenry said in a statement.
The Act directs the minting of three types of coins:
- $5 Gold Coins: Limited to 50,000 pieces, each coin would weigh 8.359 grams and contain 90% gold.
- $1 Silver Coins: Limited to 500,000 pieces, each coin would weigh 26.73 grams and contain at least 90% silver.
- Half-Dollar Clad Coins: Limited to 750,000 pieces, each coin would weigh 11.34 grams.
The coins would be issued in both uncirculated and proof qualities for a one-year period beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Designs on the coins must symbolize the broad contributions of working dogs, including their roles in detection, military service, therapy, and assistance. Each coin would bear inscriptions such as "Liberty," "In God We Trust," "United States of America," and "E Pluribus Unum."
The Secretary of the Treasury would select the designs after consulting with America’s VetDogs and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The designs would also be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC).
Each coin would be sold at a price equal to the sum of its face value, the cost of designing and issuing, plus a surcharge: $35 for each $5 gold coin, $10 per silver dollar, and $5 per half dollar. Provided the coins turn a profit, the surcharges collected would be distributed to America’s VetDogs to support their programs for providing service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities.
For the bill to become law, it must also pass in the Senate and be signed by the President.
