WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Representatives from the United States Mint (Mint), America’s VetDogs, and the Guide Dog Foundation joined together today to unveil the designs for the 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC. The designs— emblematic of the vast contributions that working dogs make in society to include the range of services that these dogs provide in detection, military service, therapy, and assistance—will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half dollar clad coin, as authorized by Public Law 118-109, to support the mission of America’s VetDogs.
“Commemorative coins tell America's story, and the story of our nation's working dogs is one of extraordinary service and sacrifice,” noted Mint Director Paul Hollis. “This program celebrates the courage, intelligence, and devotion of these animals while recognizing the handlers, veterans, first responders, and individuals whose lives have been forever changed through their partnership.”
“We are deeply honored to have the opportunity to unveil the final designs for the Working Dogs Commemorative Coin series at The White House. These coins will do more than commemorate the extraordinary contributions of working dogs — they will help tell their story to millions of Americans,” said John Miller, President and CEO of the Guide Dog Foundation & America's VetDogs. “Every day, working dogs protect our communities, heal souls, and transform lives. For the veterans and first responders with disabilities we serve, a service dog can restore independence, confidence, and connection. This historic coin series will shine a national spotlight on that remarkable bond while helping America’s VetDogs provide more of these life-changing dogs at no cost to our nation’s heroes.”
All coin images are available at https://www.usmint.gov/news/image-library/commemoratives.
The on-sale date for products in the 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program will be published on the Mint’s 2027 Product Schedule. When available, the Mint will accept orders at https://www.usmint.gov/coins/commemorative-coins/.
The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act recognizes the diverse roles working dogs perform in communities across the nation. The program honors military and police K-9s, as well as guide, service, and therapy dogs that support public safety, assist individuals with disabilities, and provide comfort and companionship. For generations, these highly trained animals have contributed to national defense, law enforcement, accessibility, and recovery, helping improve the lives of veterans, first responders, and countless other Americans.
About America’s VetDogs
For nearly 25 years, America’s VetDogs (www.VetDogs.org) has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility and companionship to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders (including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel) with physical and emotional disabilities. America's VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. America’s VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International and receives the highest ratings from the leading charitable watchdog organizations. Learn how to apply, volunteer, and donate at VetDogs.org.
About the United States Mint
Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
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Sharon McPike United States Mint 202-354-7222 Sharon.McPike@usmint.treas.gov