The United States Mint has unveiled the final designs for its 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program, with six designs for $5 gold coins, silver dollars and clad half dollars honoring the varied roles working dogs perform.
Representatives from the Mint, America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation revealed the designs Sept. 21 during a ceremony at the White House. Authorized under the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, Public Law No. 118-109, the program recognizes the contributions of working dogs in detection, military service, therapy and assistance roles.
"Commemorative coins tell America’s story, and the story of our nation’s working dogs is one of extraordinary service and sacrifice," Mint Director Paul Hollis said.
The final selections follow a design review process earlier this year involving the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and representatives of America’s VetDogs. Nearly 60 concepts were initially developed before the field was narrowed to 28 — 14 obverse and 14 reverse designs — for formal review in February.
$5 Gold Coin Honors Therapy Dogs
The $5 gold coin centers on therapy dogs and the comfort and support they provide.
Its obverse depicts a therapy dog looking upward, with the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT. The reverse shows a child sharing a close moment with a therapy dog and carries UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $5 and THERAPY DOGS.
The pairing closely follows recommendations made during the federal review process. Both the CFA and CCAC supported the selected obverse, while America’s VetDogs and the CCAC favored the child-and-dog reverse. The CCAC had also recommended removing a heart from the reverse candidate and replacing its childlike lettering with a more traditional font.
Silver Dollar Features Guide and Service Dogs
Guide and service dogs are featured on the 2027 silver dollar.
The obverse shows a golden retriever guide dog pausing at a street crosswalk to alert its visually impaired handler to a raised curb. Inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2027, GUIDE DOG and LIVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.
On the reverse, a Labrador retriever interacts with a veteran using a wheelchair, illustrating the partnership between service dogs and the people they assist. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR and PUPPY WITH A PURPOSE appear on the design.
America’s VetDogs and the CCAC had recommended the selected obverse during the earlier review, while all three reviewing groups supported the reverse. The CFA had proposed a different obverse and recommended changing the wording on the dog’s vest on the reverse, a revision that is not reflected in the Mint’s final artwork.
Half Dollar Recognizes Military and Police K-9s
Military and law enforcement working dogs are represented on the clad half dollar.
Its obverse features a German shepherd wearing a bulletproof canine vest and goggles while standing on broken concrete and exposed rebar. USA appears on the dog’s collar, while the surrounding inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2027 and DEFENDING AMERICA.
The reverse depicts a German shorthaired pointer in its characteristic pointing stance as it examines a duffel bag on an airport floor, with its human partner behind it. The dog’s harness bears DO NOT PET and K-9 UNIT, while POLICE K-9 appears along the border. Other inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and HALF DOLLAR.
The CCAC had recommended the selected obverse, while both the CFA and CCAC supported the reverse. America’s VetDogs had favored different designs for both sides.
Mintages and Surcharges
Congress authorized mintages of up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 silver dollars and 750,000 clad half dollars. Each denomination will be issued only in 2027, in proof and uncirculated finishes.
Surcharges are set at $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar and $5 for each half dollar, with proceeds authorized for America’s VetDogs to support its mission. The cost to breed, raise, train, and place a single assistance dog exceeds $50,000, though America’s VetDogs provides its services free of charge to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities.
A three-coin proof set containing one of each denomination is also planned. The Mint has not yet announced release dates or prices, saying on-sale information will appear on its 2027 product schedule.
