Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1546
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-10T09:05:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 1546) aims to honor the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal by directing the U.S. Treasury to mint and issue special commemorative coins. These coins recognize the canal's historical role in America's industrial growth, economic expansion, settlement, and social movements, while supporting its ongoing preservation and educational programs.
Key Provisions
- Congressional Findings: The bill outlines the Erie Canal's significance, including its construction (1817–1825) as North America's longest artificial waterway (363 miles from Albany to Buffalo), its boost to agriculture, industry, and markets by halving travel time and slashing freight costs by 90%, and its lasting impact on upstate New York's population (80% live within 25 miles) and as a recreational resource.
- Coin Specifications:
- Up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (8.359 grams, 0.850 inches diameter, at least 90% gold).
- Up to 400,000 $1 silver coins (26.73 grams, 1.500 inches diameter, at least 90% silver).
- Up to 750,000 half-dollar clad coins (11.34 grams, 1.205 inches diameter, standard composition per U.S. law).
- All coins are legal tender (valid for payments) and classified as numismatic items (collectibles subject to special sales rules).
- Design Requirements: Designs must symbolize the Erie Canal's influence on U.S. and New York State development. Each coin includes its value, the year "2026," and standard inscriptions: "Liberty," "In God We Trust," "United States of America," and "E Pluribus Unum." Designs are selected by the Treasury Secretary after consulting the Commission of Fine Arts and Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., and reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
- Issuance and Sales:
- Coins issued in uncirculated (new, unused) and proof (high-quality polished) finishes, only from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Sold at face value plus surcharges and production costs; bulk sales and prepaid orders available at discounts.
- Surcharges and Distribution:
- $35 per $5 coin, $10 per $1 coin, $5 per half-dollar coin.
- Surcharges go to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., for historic preservation, conservation, recreation, tourism, community development, and educational programs about the canal.
- Recipients must undergo audits; surcharges limited if they would exceed the annual two-program cap on commemorative coins.
- Financial Safeguards: Ensures no net cost to the U.S. government; surcharges disbursed only after all production costs (labor, materials, marketing, etc.) are recovered.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act adds a new commemorative coin program under Title 31 of the U.S. Code (governing money and finance), specifically building on sections like 5112 (coin standards), 5103 (legal tender), 5134 (surcharges), and 5136 (numismatics). It introduces specific authorizations, designs, and funding allocations for Erie Canal coins, while respecting the existing limit of two commemorative programs per year. No surcharges apply if this would exceed that limit, and it mandates cost recovery before fund distribution, aligning with but expanding prior commemorative coin laws (e.g., for other historical events).
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Treasury must design, produce, and sell the coins within a one-year window, with built-in protections against financial loss. This could increase short-term workload but promotes efficient operations under existing statutes.
- Citizens: Provides collectors and history enthusiasts access to limited-edition coins, raising awareness of the Erie Canal's legacy. Surcharge-funded programs may enhance tourism, recreation, and education in upstate New York, benefiting local communities with improved preservation and events.
- International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic history and U.S. coinage.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Treasury and Mint: Responsible for minting, designing, issuing, and selling the coins.
- Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc.: Primary beneficiary of surcharges for canal-related preservation, education, and development.
- Upstate New York Residents and Communities: Gain from enhanced recreational, tourism, and historical resources along the canal corridor.
- Coin Collectors and General Public: Opportunity to purchase commemorative items; indirect educational benefits through promoted programs.
- Advisory Bodies: Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee involved in design oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces Congress's constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8) to coin money and regulate its value by authorizing a targeted program that complies with federal coinage statutes. Audit requirements ensure transparency in surcharge use, preventing misuse of funds.
- Constitutional: No conflicts; it supports public education and preservation without infringing on rights or expanding government powers unduly.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in American history and regional development (introduced by Rep. Tenney, R-NY), potentially fostering tourism and local economies in New York. The annual program limit prevents proliferation of commemorative coins, balancing commemoration with fiscal restraint.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-02-24: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (8 pages)