During the 2024 Great American Coin & Collectibles Show, attendees were able to learn a little about the process of getting a commemorative coin program to become a reality.
The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act is still in the running to be passed this legislative session, despite needing co-sponsors in the Senate. If the bill is not passed during this session, it will need to be re-introduced.
The bill has been gaining support, with a total of 58 co-sponsors as of Sept. 24. This is up from 43 at the time of the Tampa show. Many of the co-sponsors joined after the House passed the companion measure, H.R. 807, in May 2024.
There is a limit of two commemorative coin programs per calendar year, and the first, honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marines Corps, is already on the books. The next bill to be approved will be the final one for 2025.
The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act is appearing to be in the lead, as supporters had hoped. Two other measures for 2025 programs lack needed co-sponsors and trail the field. Those programs are the United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act and the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act. While worthy of recognition, this may not be their year.
Seven other measures proposed during the 118th Congress likely will face the need for re-introduction. Four of the measures were dedicated to seeking commemoratives in 2026, including Paul Laurence Dunbar, FIFA World Cup, Erie Canal and Golda Meir.
The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act is designed to salute the importance of our canine partners in any number of tasks for which they are basically trained to perform. They serve as companions and guides for those who are impaired, especially those who are blind. They assist law enforcement in numerous tasks, using their inherent abilities through keen senses of smell and, when called upon, brutal biting. They have long had roles in providing help to military efforts.
There have been times when the work did not go unrecognized, but a commemorative coin would serve as a reminder. Earlier this year, members of Congress took part in the fourth annual Animals in War & Peace ceremony where those animals that have served in past conflicts and current working or retired military canines, service animals, and assistants to first responders received medals of bravery and service. Medals have been awarded to animals in Great Britain since World War II. The Dickin Medal has honored 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, four horses and a cat. President Biden declared Sept. 20 as National Service Dog Day in the United States.
If the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act passes, it’ll be the first time we see a canine on a commemorative coin, which is hard to imagine. We’ve had snakes, butterflies, badgers and more, but no dogs. We need to change that.
