The United States Mint has announced the designs for its 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program, featuring six designs across $5 gold coins, silver dollars, and clad half dollars. These coins honor the diverse roles of working dogs.

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The designs were revealed on September 21 during a ceremony at the White House, attended by representatives from the Mint, America’s VetDogs, and the Guide Dog Foundation. This initiative was authorized under the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, Public Law No. 118-109, and aims to acknowledge the contributions of working dogs in various fields, including 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," said Mint Director Paul Hollis.

The designs underwent a review process earlier this year, with involvement from the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), and representatives from America’s VetDogs. The process started with nearly 60 concepts, narrowed down to 28 for formal review in February.

The $5 gold coin focuses on therapy dogs, featuring an obverse image of a therapy dog looking upward along with the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT. The reverse showcases a child interacting with a therapy dog, with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $5, and THERAPY DOGS. This pairing reflects recommendations made during the review process.

The silver dollar features guide and service dogs, with an obverse depicting a golden retriever guide dog at a crosswalk with the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2027, GUIDE DOG, and LIVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES. The reverse illustrates a Labrador retriever working with a veteran in a wheelchair, accompanied by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR, and PUPPY WITH A PURPOSE.

The clad half dollar represents military and law enforcement dogs, showcasing a German shepherd in protective gear on its obverse. The surrounding inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2027, and DEFENDING AMERICA. Its reverse features a German shorthaired pointer inspecting a duffel bag at an airport, with inscriptions like UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR.

Congress has authorized a maximum mintage of 50,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 clad half dollars, which will be released exclusively in 2027 in both proof and uncirculated finishes. Surcharges are set at $35 for gold coins, $10 for silver dollars, and $5 for half dollars, with proceeds going to America’s VetDogs to support its mission. The organization provides services free of charge to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, although the cost to train and place a single assistance dog exceeds $50,000.

Additionally, a three-coin proof set featuring all denominations is in development, with specific release dates and prices yet to be announced.