U.S. Mint and America's VetDogs Unveil Final Designs for 2027 Working Dog Commemorative Coins
Gold, Silver, and Clad Coins Honor Therapy Dogs, Guide and Service Dogs, and Military and Law Enforcement K9s; Surcharges Will Support America's VetDogs

The United States Mint and America’s VetDogs today unveiled the final designs for the 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program during a celebration of National Service Dog Month at The White House in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The three-coin program honors the extraordinary contributions of working dogs across American society while helping America’s VetDogs provide more accredited, custom-trained service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities at no cost to them.

Authorized by the bipartisan Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, signed into law on November 25, 2024, the program includes a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin and a clad half dollar. Together, the designs recognize therapy dogs (gold); guide and service dogs (silver); and military and law enforcement K-9s (clad).

“These designs capture the skill, devotion and profound human connection that define working dog partnerships and their life-changing impact on individuals and American society,” said John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs. “They honor working dogs in all the roles they perform, and they will introduce more Americans to what an accredited, expertly trained service dog can make possible for a veteran, active-duty service member or first responder with a disability. We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Mint, the Administration, bipartisan leaders in Congress who championed this legislation, and every America’s VetDogs graduate, volunteer and supporter who helped turn this idea into a historic program.”

The Final Coin Designs
• $5 Gold Coin -- Therapy Dogs: The obverse features the profile of a therapy dog facing left, conveying the love and dedication of a loyal therapy dog, with the inscription “UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT.” The reverse depicts the loving bond between a child and a therapy dog and includes the inscription “THERAPY DOGS.”

• $1 Silver Coin -- Guide and Service Dogs: The obverse shows a golden retriever guide dog pausing in a crosswalk to alert its handler, who is blind or has low vision, to a raised curb. Its inscriptions include “GUIDE DOG” and “LIVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.” The reverse portrays a Labrador retriever sharing a moment of connection with a veteran who uses a wheelchair, reflecting trust, support and renewed independence, and includes the inscription “PUPPY WITH A PURPOSE.”

• Clad Half Dollar -- Military and Law Enforcement K-9s: The obverse depicts a German shepherd wearing protective equipment used by working K-9s. The reverse features a detection dog in an alert pointing stance as it examines a duffel bag with its handler nearby, honoring the highly trained dogs that protect military personnel, law enforcement officers and the public.

Each coin will also carry the inscriptions required by law, including the year 2027, its denomination, “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The coins will be produced in proof and uncirculated qualities and may be issued only during calendar year 2027.

The law authorizes maximum mintages of 50,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 silver dollars and 750,000 clad half dollars. Sales will include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar and $5 for each half dollar. After the U.S. Mint recovers all program costs and subject to applicable federal requirements, surcharge proceeds will be paid to America’s VetDogs to advance its mission, including service-dog training and care, instructor development, client support, and client travel, lodging and meals.

The unveiling brought together America’s VetDogs program graduates, veterans, public officials, including Douglas A. Collins, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Kristie McNally, Deputy Director of the U.S. Mint, and supporters. Among the speakers at the event were retired U.S. Navy Corpsman Joe Worley, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, with his service dog Scotty, and retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient and the 2022 Pat Tillman Award for Service honoree, with her service dog Rusty.

The coins are expected to go on sale in January 2027. Those interested in release information may sign up for updates at USMint.gov/workingdogs and can learn more at VetDogs.org/coin. 

President of the United States Signs The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act Into Law

Bipartisan legislation will support veterans and first responders with disabilities through specially trained service dogs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 26, 2024, (Smithtown, NY and Washington D.C.): America’s VetDogs is honored to announce that the President of the United States has signed The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act into law. This landmark legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, celebrates the essential role of working dogs nationwide while offering vital assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities. Surcharges from the sale of the commemorative coins will directly benefit America’s VetDogs, enabling the national nonprofit to expand its mission and provide more accredited, specially trained service dogs—at no cost—to our nation’s heroes, helping them Live Without Boundaries^®.

“This milestone highlights the strength of unity and our collective dedication to honoring the brave men and women who serve our country and communities,” said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs. “The commemorative coin series will serve as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of working dogs, raising awareness of their impact on society while helping us expand our life-changing services to those who have served and continue to serve our nation. We are profoundly grateful to the President, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, as well as the bipartisan Congressional leaders and co-sponsors, whose unwavering support made this achievement possible.”

The Act, originally introduced to the 118th Congress in February 2023 by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), was later introduced in the Senate in March 2023 by Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Recognizing the invaluable contributions of working dogs to society—spanning detection, military service, therapy, and assistance roles—the legislation gained strong support from Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as the entire Long Island delegation, where America’s VetDogs is headquartered.

“From the battlefield to the home front, working dogs provide an invaluable service,” said Rep. McHenry (R-NC)“Not only do these incredible animals serve alongside our troops and law enforcement, but they also assist wounded veterans when they return home. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation to honor and support working dogs’ contributions.”

“I’m proud to support the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, which honors the working dogs who do so much for our veterans and first responders. These dogs help people regain independence and provide crucial support. With this bill, we’re helping America’s VetDogs increase their capacity to train and place these dogs with those who need them most, free of charge. It’s a way for us to be the wind at their back, supporting our heroes and their loyal companions every step of the way. I’m grateful to everyone who worked together to make this possible.” – Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)

“Working dogs help our nation’s active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders recover from injury, enhance their independence, and improve their lives. 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.” – Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC).

“Our veterans face unique challenges re-integrating into civilian life after they’ve left the military and we owe them solutions and support as they transition their lives. Service dogs provide the companionship and everyday assistance that make a real positive impact towards independence, quality of life, and mental health. As we continue to confront the crisis of rising veteran suicide rates, I'm proud that our bipartisan legislation delivers solutions by expanding access to this critical form of support—and makes it available to America’s heroes at no cost.” – Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

“Working dogs are vital to the many Americans who rely on them, including our nation’s veterans. I am proud the Senate passed this legislation to honor our amazing working dogs and support America’s VetDogs.” – Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).

“Working dogs provide vital services and companionship to so many people—from service members and Veterans to the disability community and more. I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation today, which would recognize our furry friends while helping provide support to organizations that train these service dogs so they’re ready to serve.” – Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

The commemorative coins, to be issued by the U.S. Mint in 2027, are set to generate crucial funding for America’s VetDogs’ mission.

To learn more about America’s VetDogs or the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, visit VetDogs.org/Coin.

SPONSORS OF THE ACT:
H.R. 807: Congressman Patrick McHenry of North Carolina
  

S. 711: Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina

                                                                                       

- WBAL-TV: House passes Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, sends bill to Senate
- Coin World: House approves 2025 K–9 commemorative coin program
- Scripps Media: The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act: Importance for Veterans and First Responders