U.S. Mint Unveils 2027 Working Dogs Coins Honoring Service, Guide, Therapy and K-9 Dogs
The United States Mint has revealed the designs for its 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program, with six scenes honoring the many ways specially trained dogs serve alongside people. Representatives from the U.S. Mint, America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation unveiled the designs September 21 during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. The program will include a $5 gold coin, $1 silver coin and clad half dollar.
Each denomination focuses on a different part of the working-dog world. The $5 gold coin centers on therapy and emotional support. Its obverse features a close-up portrait of a dog wearing a collar beneath the word “LIBERTY,” with “UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT” curving along the bottom of the design. On the reverse, a therapy dog sits face-to-face with a child, who gently holds the dog’s head. The scene carries the inscription “THERAPY DOGS” along with the $5 denomination.
The silver dollar shifts the focus to guide and service dogs. Its obverse depicts a guide dog walking beside a person using a white cane. The dog wears a clearly marked guide-dog harness, while the words “GUIDE DOG” and “LIVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES” surround the scene. The reverse shows a service dog interacting with a person in a wheelchair. “PUPPY WITH A PURPOSE” appears around the upper portion of the coin, with “ONE DOLLAR” below.
Military and law-enforcement dogs take center stage on the clad half dollar. The obverse shows a working dog wearing protective goggles and tactical equipment while standing amid rubble. “DEFENDING AMERICA” appears along the edge of the design. The reverse depicts a police K-9 working beside its handler and inspecting a bag. The inscriptions include “POLICE K-9” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
Together, the three coins cover a wide range of roles performed by working dogs, including military service, police work, detection, therapy, guidance and assistance for people with disabilities. The program was authorized under the Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Act and will support the mission of America’s VetDogs. The organization trains and places guide and service dogs with veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with physical and emotional disabilities.
“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.”
America’s VetDogs says it costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place a single assistance dog. The organization provides those dogs to recipients at no charge. The Mint has not yet announced when the 2027 Working Dogs coins will go on sale. The release date will be added to the Mint’s 2027 product schedule, with ordering available through the U.S. Mint once sales begin.