HR1993-119

What This Bill Does

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act creates a numismatic fundraising and remembrance program. Treasury would mint up to 50,000 $5 gold coins and up to 400,000 $1 silver coins commemorating the September 11 attacks and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Designs must reflect courage, sacrifice, resilience, and hope; at least one coin must say 'Never Forget'; Treasury must consult the Memorial and Museum and the Commission of Fine Arts and obtain Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee review. Coins may be issued only during the one-year period beginning January 1, 2028, with a sense that the West Point Mint should strike them where possible. Sales include $35 gold-coin and $10 silver-coin surcharges, paid to the Memorial and Museum for operations and maintenance only after Treasury recovers all design, minting, marketing, shipping, and related costs so the program has no net federal cost.

Who Benefits and How

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum benefits because coin surcharges support its operations and maintenance after Treasury cost recovery. September 11 victims' families and survivors benefit from a federally authorized remembrance tied to the 25th anniversary. Coin collectors benefit from a limited one-year issue of legal-tender gold and silver commemorative coins. The West Point Mint benefits if Treasury follows Congress's sense that the coins should be struck there to the greatest extent possible.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Treasury Department and United States Mint must design, market, issue, account for, and recover costs before surcharges are paid out. Coin purchasers pay surcharges of $35 for each gold coin and $10 for each silver coin. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum must satisfy statutory audit requirements for surcharge amounts received. Treasury finance staff must ensure the program creates no net cost for the federal government.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes up to 50,000 $5 gold coins and 400,000 $1 silver coins for the September 11 anniversary.
• Requires designs selected by Treasury after consultation and advisory committee review.
• Provides $35 and $10 surcharges for the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
• Limits issuance to the one-year period beginning January 1, 2028.
• Requires Treasury cost recovery before surcharge funds are disbursed.