The 112th United States Congress convened for the first time on January 3, 2011. For the last two years, it has been the body responsible for creating the legislation that, if signed by the President, became the new laws of the country.
As the 113th Congress is poised to take over that role, it is a good time to review the legislative effects of the 112th Congress as it relates to coinage and the United States Mint. The U.S. Mint follows the direction of Congress not only in its requirement to strike the circulating coinage of the nation, but also as to which commemorative coins it issues.
Under newly created legislation in the 112th Congress, five commemorative coin programs became law after signed by President Obama. Many other coin related bills were also introduced in the last two years, but they failed in making it to the President’s desk. Information on passed and proposed commemorative coin legislation is offered below.
Commemorative Coin Legislation Passed Into Public Law (2011-2012)
A summary follows of the five new commemorative coin programs passed by the 112th Congress.
H.R.886: United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Womack, Steve [AR-3] (introduced 3/2/2011) Cosponsors (301)
Committees: House Financial Services; Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-104
The United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury (and thus the U.S. Mint) to strike and release up to 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 silver dollars and 750,000 half-dollar coins in commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Marshals Service. These coins go on sale beginning in 2015. The first $5,000,000 raised through surcharges on the sale of each commemorative coin will be forwarded to the U.S. Marshals Museum, Inc. Any surcharges raised over the 5,000,000 level will be split evenly between the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
H.R.2139: Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Roskam, Peter J. [IL-6] (introduced 6/3/2011) Cosponsors (294)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-181
Under the terms of the Lions Club International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act, up to 400,000 silver dollars will be issued in 2017 in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Lions Clubs International. Surcharges of $10 per silver dollar sold will be collected by the U.S. Mint and forwarded to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to further its programs for the blind and visually impaired, allow it to
invest in adaptive technologies for the disabled and
enable it to invest in youth and those affected by a major disaster.
H.R.2453: Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Luetkemeyer, Blaine [MO-9] (introduced 7/7/2011) Cosponsors (298)
Committees: House Financial Services; Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-201
In 2016, up to 100,00 $5 gold coins and 350,000 silver dollars will be issued by the U.S. Mint in commemoration of Mark Twain, the pen name of author Samuel Clemens. The U.S. Mint will collect a surcharge of $35 per gold coin sold and $10 per silver dollar sold. These surcharges will be split evenly between: the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut; University of California, Berkeley, California, for the benefit of the Mark Twain Project at the Bancroft Library; Elmira College, New York, to be used for research and education purposes; and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri.
H.R.2527: National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Hanna, Richard L. [NY-24] (introduced 7/14/2011) Cosponsors (296)
Committees: House Financial Services; House Budget; Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-152
The National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act directs the U.S. Mint to strike and release up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 silver dollars and 750,000 half-dollar coins in recognition and celebration of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The coins debut in 2014. The gold and silver commemoratives may be unique in the fact that Congress requested (if it does not significantly add to the cost) that they have a convex reverse to more closely resemble a baseball and a concave obverse. Surcharges collected on sales will be forwarded to the National Baseball Hall of Fame to help finance its operations.
H.R.3187: March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012
Sponsor: Rep Dold, Robert J. [IL-10] (introduced 10/13/2011) Cosponsors (305)
Committees: House Financial Services; House Budget
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 112-209
In 2015, up to 500,000 silver dollars will be released by the U.S. Mint as directed in the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012. These coins will be struck in recognition and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the March of Dimes Foundation. The $10 surcharge collected on the sale of each silver dollar is to be forwarded to the March of Dimes to help finance research, education, and services aimed at improving the health of women, infants, and children.
Proposed Commemorative Coin Legislation That Did Not Become Law
Offered below is summary information on other coin bills introduced by members of the 112th Congress but did not become law.
H.R.497: Ronald Reagan Commemorative Coin Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Latta, Robert E. [OH-5] (introduced 1/26/2011) Cosponsors (40)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 3/23/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.1098: Free Competition in Currency Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [TX-14] (introduced 3/15/2011) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Financial Services; House Ways and Means; House Judiciary
Latest Major Action: 9/13/2011 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
H.R.1621: Marine Corps Aviation Centennial Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Kline, John [MN-2] (introduced 4/15/2011) Cosponsors (61)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 5/2/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.1736: Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep McKinley, David B. [WV-1] (introduced 5/5/2011) Cosponsors (21)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 6/2/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2418: National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Braley, Bruce L. [IA-1] (introduced 7/6/2011) Cosponsors (23)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2593: Wasteful Presidential Coin Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Speier, Jackie [CA-12] (introduced 7/19/2011) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 8/22/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2635: COINS Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Polis, Jared [CO-2] (introduced 7/25/2011) Cosponsors (3)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 8/22/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2760: Presidential Dollar Coin Efficiency Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Maloney, Carolyn B. [NY-14] (introduced 8/1/2011) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 8/22/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2778: Dollars and Sense Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Adam [WA-9] (introduced 8/1/2011) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 8/22/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2789: Prevention of Wasteful and Unneeded Coins Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Yoder, Kevin [KS-3] (introduced 8/1/2011) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 8/22/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2968: James Monroe Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Wittman, Robert J. [VA-1] (introduced 9/20/2011) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/4/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.2977: Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act
Sponsor: Rep Schweikert, David [AZ-5] (introduced 9/20/2011) Cosponsors (14)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/4/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.3180: U.S.S. Cruiser Olympia Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Brady, Robert A. [PA-1] (introduced 10/13/2011) Cosponsors (20)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/21/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.3512: To amend the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin Act to adjust how surcharges are distributed.
Sponsor: Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] (introduced 11/29/2011) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 11/30/2011 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
H.R.3693: Cents and Sensibility Act
Sponsor: Rep Stivers, Steve [OH-15] (introduced 12/15/2011) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 11/29/2012 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
H.R.3694: Saving Taxpayer Expenditures by Employing Less Imported Nickel Act
Sponsor: Rep Stivers, Steve [OH-15] (introduced 12/15/2011) Cosponsors (2)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 11/29/2012 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
H.R.3818: Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefields Commemorative Coin Act of 2012
Sponsor: Rep Holt, Rush D. [NJ-12] (introduced 1/24/2012) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 2/9/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.4104: Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Renacci, James B. [OH-16] (introduced 2/28/2012) Cosponsors (294)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 8/2/2012 Received in the Senate.
H.R.4107: World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Lamborn, Doug [CO-5] (introduced 2/29/2012) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 4/26/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.5840: National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Duncan, John J., Jr. [TN-2] (introduced 5/18/2012) Cosponsors (65)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 7/11/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.5977: Collectible Coin Protection Act
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Lamar [TX-21] (introduced 6/20/2012) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Energy and Commerce
Latest Major Action: 6/20/2012 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.R.6133: To provide clarity on the use of National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin surcharges, the use of Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin surcharges, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Westmoreland, Lynn A. [GA-3] (introduced 7/17/2012) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 7/31/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.6331: Panama-Pacific International Exposition and Panama Canal Commemorative Coins Act
Sponsor: Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15] (introduced 8/2/2012) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/1/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.6495: Commemorative Coins Reform Act of 2012
Sponsor: Rep Amash, Justin [MI-3] (introduced 9/21/2012) Cosponsors (11)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/23/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
H.R.6571: Korean Immigration Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Rep Andrews, Robert E. [NJ-1] (introduced 10/12/2012) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/23/2012 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic Monetary Policy and Technology.
S.431: United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Sen Pryor, Mark L. [AR] (introduced 3/2/2011) Cosponsors (68)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 3/2/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.889: Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Sen Rockefeller, John D., IV [WV] (introduced 5/5/2011) Cosponsors (6)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/5/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.1181: National Future Farmers of America Commemorative Coin Act of 2011
Sponsor: Sen Grassley, Chuck [IA] (introduced 6/13/2011) Cosponsors (22)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 6/13/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.1299: Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Sen Moran, Jerry [KS] (introduced 6/29/2011) Cosponsors (69)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/30/2012 Held at the desk.
S.1385: A bill to terminate the $1 presidential coin program.
Sponsor: Sen Vitter, David [LA] (introduced 7/19/2011) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 7/19/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.1573: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 9/15/2011) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Appropriations
Senate Reports: 12-79
Latest Major Action: 9/15/2011 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 171.
S.1929: Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Sen Blumenthal, Richard [CT] (introduced 11/30/2011) Cosponsors (68)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 11/30/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.1935: March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011
Sponsor: Sen Hagan, Kay [NC] (introduced 12/1/2011) Cosponsors (72)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 12/1/2011 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.2036: National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Sen Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [NY] (introduced 1/26/2012) Cosponsors (70)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/26/2012 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.2049: Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act
Sponsor: Sen Harkin, Tom [IA] (introduced 1/31/2012) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 1/31/2012 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.3077: Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act
Sponsor: Sen Portman, Rob [OH] (introduced 5/10/2012) Cosponsors (4)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 5/10/2012 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.3301: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2013
Sponsor: Sen Durbin, Richard [IL] (introduced 6/14/2012) Cosponsors (None)
Committees: Senate Appropriations
Senate Reports: 12-177
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2012 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 429.
S.3363: A bill to provide for the use of National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin surcharges, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Chambliss, Saxby [GA] (introduced 6/29/2012) Cosponsors (1)
Latest Major Action: Became Public Law No: 12t-169 [GPO: Text, PDF]
S.3517: Panama-Pacific International Exposition and Panama Canal Commemorative Coins Act
Sponsor: Sen Feinstein, Dianne [CA] (introduced 8/2/2012) Cosponsors (1)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 8/2/2012 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
S.3612: Commemorative Coins Reform Act of 2012
Sponsor: Sen DeMint, Jim [SC] (introduced 9/21/2012) Cosponsors (7)
Committees: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Latest Major Action: 9/21/2012 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
