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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe U.S. Mint and America’s VetDogs unveiled the final designs for the 2027 Working Dogs Commemorative Coin Program on September 21, 2026, at a White House event during National Service Dog Month. The three coins recognize therapy dogs, guide and service dogs, and military and law-enforcement K-9s. Each carries a surcharge for America’s VetDogs, subject to statutory conditions and recovery of program costs.
What do the 2027 working dog coins look like?
The three designs represent different working-dog partnerships. The Mint’s announcement describes the gold and silver coins in detail; for the half dollar’s exact imagery and inscriptions, consult the official announcement and coin images.
$5 gold coin: therapy dogs
The obverse features a therapy dog’s profile and the inscription “UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT.” The reverse shows a child with a therapy dog and the words “THERAPY DOGS.”
$1 silver coin: guide and service dogs
The obverse depicts a golden retriever guide dog pausing at a crosswalk and alerting its blind or low-vision handler to a raised curb. It bears the inscriptions “GUIDE DOG” and “LIVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.” The reverse shows a Labrador retriever with a veteran who uses a wheelchair, alongside “PUPPY WITH A PURPOSE.”
#1 Best Overall
- United States Department of Defense DOD Military Working Dogs Search and Defend K-9 Guardians of the Night Challenge Coin
- Coin Measures 45mm (1.77") in Diameter
- High Quality Design and Metalwork
- Double-Sided Coin
Clad half dollar: military and law-enforcement K-9s
The half dollar honors military and law-enforcement K-9s. The announcement identifies that theme, but its accompanying text does not describe the coin’s full image or inscriptions; the official coin art is the reference for those details.
How the three coins compare
The figures below are statutory limits and specifications in Public Law 118-109 (2024), not a guarantee that the Mint will produce or sell the maximum authorized number.
Rank #2
- Honoring the U.S. Marine Corps: This finely crafted military commemorative coin is created to honor the fearless spirit of the United States Marine Corps, embodying their honor, unity, courage, commitment and patriotism. Conveying deep respect for both active-duty and veteran Marines, preserves the Corps’ timeless values and pays tribute to their unwavering loyalty and outstanding contributions to the nation
- Veteran Coins Front：Featuring the iconic “Devil Dog”, symbolizing the resilience, toughness and combat-ready spirit of the Marine Corps. The bulldog’s fierce expression represents fearlessness and strength, the words “RELEASE THE DOGS OF WAR” conveys the resolve to answer the call when duty demands. This design reflects Marines who, guided by strict discipline, dedicate their strength to protecting the nation and their fellow service members—true warriors born for the mission
- Military Challenge Coin Back：Depicting the legendary flag-raising at Iwo Jima, symbolizing the unity, sacrifice, and hard-won victories that define the proud history of the United States Marine Corps. The inscriptions “HONOR · COURAGE · COMMITMENT” and “HONOR THE FALLEN” pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the nation, emphasizing the core values of the military and the enduring spirit of devotion and sacrifice that will never be forgotten
- Premium Quality & Perfect Size: Military Coin crafted from high-quality zinc alloy with an iron gold plating, this Marine Corps Commemorative Coin boasts a timeless gold-and-navy finish, combining elegance with durability. Measuring approximately 1.57 inches (40mm) in diameter, 0.12 inches (3mm) in thickness, and weighing about 1.4 ounces. Each coin comes with a premium transparent protective case for easy storage and gifting
- Meaningful Gift for Veterans: The Marine Corps Token is an deal for veterans, U.S. Marines, active-duty service members, and military families. Also perfect for retirement, deployment, anniversaries, discharge celebrations, and memorial or remembrance occasions. This commemorative coin captures the spirit of service and historical legacy of the Marine Corps
| Coin and theme | Metal and denomination | Maximum authorized mintage | Statutory specifications | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Therapy dogs | Gold $5 | Not more than 50,000 | 8.359 g; 0.850 in diameter; 90% gold | $35 per coin |
| Guide and service dogs | Silver $1 | Not more than 500,000 | 26.73 g; 1.500 in diameter; at least 90% silver | $10 per coin |
| Military and law-enforcement K-9s | Clad half dollar | Not more than 750,000 | 11.34 g; 1.205 in diameter | $5 per coin |
These authorized quantities are ceilings, not actual production totals. The law requires proof and uncirculated qualities and allows the coins to be issued only during the one-year period beginning January 1, 2027. See Public Law 118-109 for the authorization and specifications.
When do the coins go on sale, and where can you buy them?
America’s VetDogs describes January 2027 as the expected sale month. The Mint says it will publish the exact on-sale date on its 2027 Product Schedule; the September 21 announcement does not give a confirmed date. When sales open, the Mint’s commemorative coins page is the official order channel identified in the announcement.
Rank #3
- HONOR THE ENDURING BOND: Celebrate the extraordinary partnership between police K9 units and handlers with this double-sided commemorative coin, symbolizing loyalty, courage, and unwavering dedication in service.
- HIGH-QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP: Meticulously designed with intricate detailing on both sides, this well-crafted coin serves as a meaningful tribute for law enforcement professionals and K9 supporters.
- THOUGHTFUL TRIBUTE GIFT: Ideal for recognizing K9 handlers, law enforcement teams, or expressing gratitude to colleagues and families who value the profound connection between officers and their loyal companions.
- SYMBOL OF RESPECT AND APPRECIATION: A lasting reminder of the sacrifices and bravery of K9 units, making it a cherished keepsake for anyone who honors their service and legacy.
- COLLECTIBLE & MEANINGFUL KEEPSAKE: Perfect for display, personal mementos, or collection, capturing the trust and heroism that define the K9 community.
The announcement and statute do not establish a retail price, preorder date, or secondary-market value. The surcharge is a statutory amount added to a coin’s price, not its full purchase price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do the surcharges support America’s VetDogs?
Public Law 118-109 sets surcharges of $35 for each $5 gold coin, $10 for each $1 silver coin, and $5 for each half dollar. The law directs eligible surcharge proceeds to America’s VetDogs, but the Treasury must recover program costs before disbursing funds, and other statutory requirements apply. The per-coin surcharge therefore should not be read as a guaranteed net donation paid out before cost recovery.
Rank #4
- Includes 5 pieces police challenge coin. Made of high quality metal iron with silver plated, small size 1.77" in Diameter x 0.11" in thickness.
- Obverse side of police department challenge coin features law enforcement sheepdog in the thin blue line US flag background and words: "the sheepdogs live for the day, the wolves come out to play".
- Reverse side of law enforcement coin engraves working dog's oath and lovely dog's claw painted with the US flag inside.
- High-detail pass along pocket token. Use for home, office or car decorations, coin collections, police officer gifts for men, lucky charms for men, women. unique souvenirs on your challenge coin display stand or desktop.
- Perfect police gifts/keepsakes for the family or friends who are served or retired in police, law enforcement deparment.
America’s VetDogs says that breeding, raising, training, and placing one assistance dog costs over $50,000. That is the organization’s figure quoted in the Mint’s 2026 announcement, not an independently audited cost estimate in the cited sources. The statute also includes a congressional finding that the U.S. military employed close to 2,500 K-9s during the height of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars; it is a historical finding in the 2024 law, not a current count.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MEANINGFUL TRAVEL KEEPSAKE: Features an adorable 3D embossed Dachshund carrying a hiking backpack on the front, paired with a heartfelt engraved message. It acts as a loyal guardian, wishing the carrier a safe journey with the promise to "Protect you and bring you home."
- PREMIUM ANTIQUE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Crafted from high-quality, heavy-duty metal with an elegant vintage finish. This hiking challenge coin boasts intricate details and a satisfying weight in hand. It is highly durable and designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures
- PERFECT GIFT FOR DOG LOVERS: An inspiring and heartwarming gift for Dachshund (wiener dog) owners, pet parents, hikers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers. Ideal for going-away parties, birthdays, graduations, Christmas, or even as a touching pet memorial keepsake
- EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC) COMPANION: Measuring approximately 1.57 inches in diameter and 0.12 inches thick, this lucky coin fits perfectly in your pocket, wallet, purse, or travel backpack. Keep your faithful canine guardian with you wherever you explore
- VERSATILE LUCKY TOKEN: More than just a beautifully designed collectible medal, it serves as a calming worry coin for anxiety relief, a unique addition to any challenge coin collection, or a protective talisman to bring you peace of mind on every outdoor adventure
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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