The United States Mint is set to honor the invaluable contributions of working dogs to American society with gold, silver, and clad commemorative coins slated for release in 2027.
President Biden signed the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law No: 118-109) into law on Nov. 25, paving the way for the U.S. Mint to produce three types of coins in 2027 under the direction of the Department of the Treasury:
- $5 Gold Coins: Capped at 50,000 pieces, each weighing 8.359 grams with 90% gold content.
- $1 Silver Coins: Limited to 500,000 pieces, each weighing 26.73 grams with at least 90% silver.
- Half-Dollar Clad Coins: Restricted to 750,000 pieces, each weighing 11.34 grams.
These coins will be offered in both proof and uncirculated finishes during a one-year release period starting Jan. 1, 2027.
Their designs will symbolize the diverse 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 will 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).
Introduced on Feb. 2, 2023, by Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (R-NC), H.R. 807, the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, cleared the House on May 21 and received Senate approval on Nov. 19. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), introduced a companion bill, S.711, on March 8, 2023.
"Working dogs are deeply embedded in our daily lives here on Capitol Hill and in those of countless veterans, active-duty military personnel, and law enforcement officers across the nation," Congressman Patrick McHenry said in a statement. "I thank the America’s VetDogs team for their work to get this bill passed. Without the leadership of Senator Budd and the bipartisan collaboration from our colleagues across the aisle, this would not have been possible. The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act is more than just a coin bill, it’s about improving the quality of life of our wounded veterans and first responders and honoring the service dogs who make that possible – something we all can get behind."
"Working dogs help our nation’s active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders recover from injury, enhance their independence, and improve their lives," said Sen Budd. "I commend the Senate and House for passing our bipartisan bill. This commemorative coin will honor the service of working dogs and provide funding to raise more service dogs for America’s heroes. I’m proud to lead this effort to give back to those who serve our country."
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 the organization’s mission and cover expenses related to:
- Personnel involved in training, dog care, and meeting consumer needs.
- Consultants assisting in the training of Certified Service Dog Instructors.
- Travel, lodging, and accommodations for clients served by America’s VetDogs.
Papa Pqtten in the previous thread said: “ How did you get the circulating production numbers since the website is totally hosed? Scroll to the bottom of the main US Mint web page and under “About” you’ll see the heading for “Production and Sales Figures”. Click on “Circulating Coins Production”, then “Learn More”. Link below for convenience.
https://www.usmint.gov/about/production-sales-figures/circulating-coins-production
Reports always used to be found by entering in the Sunday date. Now, for anything after Aug 18, 2024 it is the Monday date (except for a week after a holiday it’s the Tuesday date). And no report since Nov 18 (ending Nov 17). Let’s see if there’s one issued later today.
Also, it used to be easy to print a report. Not anymore. Now you have to do it in increments.
CaliSkier, in answer to a previous thread, Cyber Monday came and went.
750clad. Really, does anyone anywhere have a,clue? 50k gold and FHG17.5k became 7 available. Perhaps this will be the jumping of the shark
My wife and I love, love our dogs. We have two females and we call them our Dogters, lol! We have no kids so our Dogters are our kids. All of our friends tell us that when they die, if they get reincarnated, they want to come back as a dog and they want my wife and I to have them. We totally spoil our Dogters. We have a “doggie door”, and the neighborhood dogs come to our house, thru the doggie door and get treats and if they want to, eat our Dogters food. One neighbor calls our house… Read more »
Agree Bob on the coins, etc.
Thanks for the story about your “family”!
I would have no problem being neighbors with y’all !
Rick and AKBob,
I see the Mint has firmly grabbed the leash of the expression “going to the dogs”.
I was waiting for someone to say that.
Bada bing, bada boom.
E 1,
As the Bounty Hunter said upon having just shot the Plantation Owner in the movie Django Unchained, “I just couldn’t help myself.”
It’s too bad, Kaiser. Dogs are much better than people IMO. Kinder, fairer, more loyal. And when there’s a bad one, it’s the owner’s fault for making it that way.
Reminds me of the old joke. Who loves me more, my wife or my dog? Lock both in the trunk of my car for 3 hours. When I open it up, who’s more happy to see me?
The likelihood of any contribution reaching the intended parties is very low. I’d rather make a direct contribution to the organization (which is very deserving.)
DAVESWFL,
Excellent comment AND excellent idea to give a Direct Contribution!!