Coin Legislation

President Obama signed the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 into law on November 6, 2009. This bill authorized the issuance of commemorative gold and silver coins in 2011 to celebrate the Medal of Honor.

“Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Medal of Honor with a U.S. Coin is a wonderful tribute to all the men and women who have served this great country in uniform with the same courage and selflessness as our Medal of Honor recipients,” said Thomas J. Hudner (USN-Ret.), a Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran from Concord, Massachusetts. “They continue to serve today on our behalf to protect our freedoms.”

The bill was introduced on February 26, 2009 by Christopher Carney of Pennsylvania and Mark Kirk of Illinois. It passed the House on May 14, 2009 and the Senate on October 22, 2009. Under the program, up to 500,000 silver dollar coins and 100,000 $5 gold coins may be issued during the one year period beginning on January 1, 2011.

There was plenty of coin legislation related activity during the past few months. In September one bill passed in the House and one bill was introduced. In October numerous bills were introduced related to coins, including some new ones. The Girl Scouts Centennial Coins were signed into law and the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin proposal still awaits the President’s signature.

On September 9, 2009, H.R. 2007 passed the House of Representatives. This bill seeks the issuance of Star Spangled Banner Commemorative Coins. The coins would be issued in $5 gold and $1 silver for the issuance of $5 gold and $1 silver coins with designs emblematic of the War of 1812 and particularly the Battle for Baltimore that formed the backdrop for the writing of the National Anthem.

On September 10, 2009, H.R. 2549 was introduced by Jerrold Nadler. The legislation seeks to authorize September 11 Commemorative Coins. Up to 2,000,000 $1 silver coins to be issued in the year 2011 for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The coin designs would be emblematic of the courage, sacrifice, and strength of the individuals who perished in the attacks, the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others, and the endurance, resilience, and hope of those who survived.

On October 1, 2009, H.R. 2712 was introduced to seek commemorative coins for the Gettysburg Campaign. Gold, silver, and clad coins are sought for the program. This bill is similar to H.R. 2123: Gettysburg Campaign Act, except for the surcharge distributions.

On October 8, 2009, S 1769 was introduced. This bill seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow certified coins in retirement accounts.

On October 21 and October 22, S. 1819 and H.R. 3912 were introduced seeking Civil Rights Center and Museum commemorative coins. These oddly structured proposals seek a mere 1,000 silver dollar coins to be issued in 2010.

On October 22, 2009 H.R. 1209 the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act passed in the Senate. The bill which seeks up to 500,000 $1 silver coins and up to 100,000 $5 gold coins was previously approved in the House of Representatives. The bill now awaits the President’s signature.

On October 29, 2009, S. 2106 was introduced. This bill is the Senate version of the previously introduced H.R. 2799 US Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. This bill seeks $5 gold coins containing one ounce of gold and struck in high relief and $1 silver coins. Both coins would included incused edge lettering.

H.R. 621 The Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act passed in the House, Senate, and was signed into law by the President on October 29, 2009. Up to 350,000 silver dollar coins will be issued in 2013 for the organization’s centennial.

On October 29, 2009, President Obama signed the Girl Scouts of the USA Commemorative Coin Act into law. This bill will authorize the production and issuance of up to 350,000 silver dollar coins in 2013 to celebrate the centennial of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

“This is a wonderful honor for Girl Scouts,” said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the USA. “Congress only allows the minting of two coins a year and this is such a fitting way to honor our Movement and the million of girls and women whose lives Girl Scouting has touched. We are grateful to the President, the House and the Senate for their support.”

The bill was introduced on January 21 by Jack Kingston of Georgia. It passed the House on October 13 and the Senate on October 19, 2009.

H.R. 1209 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act was passed by the Senate on October 22, 2009. The bill had been previously passed by the House of Representatives on May 14, 2009. The bill is now set to become law after it has received the President’s signature.

The bill will authorize the production of up to 500,000 silver dollar coins and 100,000 $5 gold coins with a design emblematic of the traditions, legacy, and heritage of the Medal of Honor and the distinguished service of its recipients. The coins would be issued during the calendar year beginning January 1, 2011. The coins must contain motifs which represent the three Medal of Honor designs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

If approved, the Medal of Honor commemorative coins would join Army commemorative coins on the 2011 schedule.