The United States Mint has announced a new series of commemorative coins honoring working dogs that assist military members, law enforcement, and individuals with disabilities. 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.
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This initiative will feature three coins: a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar clad coin, each depicting the various roles these dogs serve, including detection, therapy, and assistance. The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, signed into law on November 25, 2024, authorized this special three-coin series. Proceeds from the sales will support America's VetDogs, which provides guide and service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with physical and emotional challenges.
Each denomination of the coins highlights a specific type of working dog. The $5 gold coin is dedicated to therapy dogs, featuring a depiction of a therapy dog interacting with a child, along with the inscriptions "UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT" and "THERAPY DOGS." The $1 silver coin showcases guide and service dogs, with an image of a golden retriever aiding a visually impaired individual and a Labrador retriever alongside a veteran in a wheelchair. The half-dollar clad coin honors military and police K-9s, illustrating a German shepherd in protective gear on rubble and a German shorthaired pointer inspecting a duffel bag at an airport.
The Mint has not yet provided a specific release date for the 2027 coins but indicated that details will be shared in its forthcoming Product Schedule. Once available, orders will be accepted through the Mint’s commemorative coin website.
Mint Director Paul Hollis emphasized that this program honors the significant contributions of working dogs and those impacted by their service, stating, "Commemorative coins tell America's story, and the story of our nation's working dogs is one of extraordinary service and sacrifice." John Miller, president and CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs, noted that the coins will help to raise awareness about the bond between working dogs and those they support. According to America's VetDogs, the cost of breeding, raising, training, and placing one assistance dog exceeds $50,000, a service provided at no charge to veterans, service members, and first responders receiving the dogs.