The United States Mint has unveiled the designs for a new series of commemorative coins honoring the working dogs that serve alongside members of the military, law enforcement, people with disabilities and others across the country.
The designs were unveiled on Sept. 21 during a White House ceremony with representatives from the Mint, America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation.
The program will feature three coins: a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin and a half-dollar clad coin. The designs highlight the different roles working dogs play, including detection, military service, therapy and assistance.
The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, signed into law on Nov. 25, 2024, authorized the coins and directs the U.S. Mint to create a special three-coin
series. Surcharges from the sale of the coins will support the mission of America’s VetDogs, which provides guide and service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with physical and emotional disabilities.
What do the working dogs coins look like?
The three denominations each spotlight a different type of working dog.
The $5 gold coin focuses on therapy dogs. Its obverse features a therapy dog, while the reverse shows a child interacting with the pup. The designs include inscriptions such as “UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT” and “THERAPY DOGS.”
The $1 silver coin highlights guide and service dogs. Its obverse depicts a golden retriever guide dog assisting a visually impaired person at a street crossing. The reverse features a Labrador retriever with a veteran who uses a wheelchair.
The half-dollar clad coin recognizes military and police K-9s. Its obverse shows a German shepherd wearing protective equipment on rubble, while the reverse depicts a German shorthaired pointer inspecting a duffel bag at an airport with its handler.
When will the working dogs coins be available?
The Mint has not announced a specific release date for the 2027 coins. The agency said its 2027 Product Schedule will contain the on-sale date.
Once the coins are available, the Mint will accept orders through its commemorative coin website.
Mint Director Paul Hollis said the program recognizes both the working dogs and the people whose lives are affected by their service.
“Commemorative coins tell America's story, and the story of our nation's working dogs is one of extraordinary service and sacrifice,” Hollis said.
John Miller, president and CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs, said the coins will help highlight the relationship between working dogs and the people they serve.
America’s VetDogs says it costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one assistance dog. The nonprofit provides those services at no cost to the veterans, service members and first responders who receive the dogs.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US Mint unveils new commemorative coins honoring working dogs
