A small clarification and adjustment. v2 broadens the design requirements for the commemorative coins, changes the issuance quality from mandatory to discretionary, and shifts the issuance period one year later. The core purpose and specifications of the commemorative coin program remain unchanged.
25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 21, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a commemorative coin program to honor the 9/11 anniversary and generate funds for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum through surcharges, without cost to taxpayers.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins for the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It authorizes the production of up to 50,000 $5 gold coins and 400,000 $1 silver coins, which will be legal tender and numismatic items. Surcharges from the sale of these coins, $35 for gold and $10 for silver, will be paid to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance, with a strict requirement that the program incurs no net cost to the Federal Government.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a fitting and tangible way for the nation to remember and honor the victims, first responders, and survivors of the September 11th attacks on its 25th anniversary. They emphasize that the commemorative coins will serve as a lasting tribute and an educational tool, while simultaneously providing crucial financial support for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, which plays a vital role in preserving the memory and lessons of that day for future generations. Furthermore, proponents highlight that the program is designed to be self-sustaining, ensuring no cost to the federal taxpayer.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the sentiment behind commemorating 9/11 is universally shared, commemorative coin programs can sometimes be seen as a less direct or efficient method of fundraising compared to direct appropriations or private donations. Some may also raise concerns about the potential for market saturation with numerous commemorative coin issues, or question the specific allocation of funds to a single institution, even one as significant as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, over other potential beneficiaries related to 9/11 remembrance or support. However, given the nature of the bill, direct opposition is unlikely to be significant.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it easy for any interested reader to understand its provisions and implications within a few minutes.
Section 3
Authorization of 9/11 Commemorative Coins
This section authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint two types of commemorative coins: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (at least 90% gold) and up to 400,000 $1 silver coins (at least 90% silver). These coins will be legal tender but are primarily intended as numismatic items for collectors, meaning their value will exceed their face value due to their commemorative nature and precious metal content.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that issuing these specific denominations and quantities allows for broad public participation in the commemoration, offering both a premium gold option for serious collectors and a more accessible silver option for a wider audience, maximizing both remembrance and fundraising potential.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the denominations or quantities of commemorative coins, as these are standard practice for such programs and are designed to balance market demand with the commemorative purpose.
Tradeoffs
The balance between creating a highly valuable, limited-edition item (gold coin) and a more widely accessible item (silver coin) to serve both serious collectors and the general public's desire to commemorate.
Section 4
Thematic and Inscriptional Design Mandates
This provision dictates that the coin designs must symbolize the courage, sacrifice, and strength of those who died on 9/11, the bravery of rescuers, and the endurance and hope of survivors. It specifically requires at least one coin to bear the inscription "Never Forget" and all coins to include their value, "Liberty," "In God We Trust," "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum," and a reference to the 25th Anniversary. The Secretary of the Treasury will select designs after consulting with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and the Commission of Fine Arts, with review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Section 7
Funding for National September 11 Memorial and Museum
This section establishes surcharges on the sale of the commemorative coins: $35 for each $5 gold coin and $10 for each $1 silver coin. All funds collected from these surcharges, after covering the costs of designing and issuing the coins, are to be promptly paid to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. These funds are specifically designated to support the museum's operations and maintenance, and the museum will be subject to audit requirements regarding these amounts.
This section mandates that the minting and issuance of these coins must result in no net cost to the Federal Government. It further specifies that no surcharges will be disbursed to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum until the total cost of designing and issuing all authorized coins (including labor, materials, marketing, and shipping) has been fully recovered by the United States Treasury.
Section 8
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for commemorative coin programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and preventing taxpayer burden. It's not intended to be evasive but rather a necessary financial safeguard.
Case for: Proponents argue this provision is essential for fiscal prudence, ensuring that a commemorative program does not become a drain on federal resources and maintains public trust by being entirely self-funded through sales.
Case against: No direct case against this provision, as it's a fiscal safeguard. However, some might argue that the delay in fund disbursement to the museum until all costs are recovered could impact the museum's immediate operational planning or cash flow.
Estimated impact: Ensures that the program's costs, potentially millions of dollars for production and marketing, are fully covered by coin sales before any charitable funds are distributed.