Curtis, Moore among bipartisan group pushing for 2028, 2034 Olympic commemorative coins

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah Sen. John Curtis (R) and Rep. Blake Moore (R-01) are among a bipartisan group of lawmakers pushing the U.S. Treasury to mint collectible coins commemorating the 2028 and 2034 Olympic Games.

The bill would order the creation of four limited-edition coins to commemorate the upcoming games in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The coins would include a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, a half-dollar clad coin and a proof silver $1 coin. According to the

language of the legislation, each coin would include a surcharge ranging from $5 to $50.

Each set of coins will be minted with designs for their respective Games, honoring the participation of athletes in Los Angeles and Salt Lake.

“The 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will showcase Utah’s pioneer spirit, community strength, and commitment to excellence,” said Curtis. “These commemorative coins honor not just the athletes, but the values that built our state and the legacy we’ll pass on to future generations.” 

Proceeds from the sales of the commemorative coins would go toward funding both the 2028 and 2034 Olympic Games, as well as any legacy programs such as youth sports in the United States.

The coins would reportedly come at no government cost by making the coins made-to-order and including the price to mint the coins in the sale price.

“As a four-time Olympian, I greatly appreciate the commemorative coin program as another means of showcasing our Olympic and Paralympic athletes,” said Catherine Raney Norman, a four-time Olympic speed skater and Vice President of Development and Athlete Relations for Salt Lake City-Utah 2034.

The 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles will be the first time the global sporting event will return to the United States since the Salt Lake City Winter Games in 2002. Overall, the United States has hosted the modern Olympic Games nine times. The 2028 Games will be the third time hosting for Los Angeles, while the 2034 Winter Games will be Salt Lake City’s second time as a host city.

“The heart and dedication demonstrated by the athletes who participate in the Games is truly unparalleled,” said Reynold Hoover, LA28 chief executive officer. “Los Angeles 2028, followed by Salt Lake 2034, will serve as an opportunity for American athletes to showcase their talent and resilience on the world’s stage.”

While Curtis pushes to pass the legislation in the Senate, Rep. Moore has similarly joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. House. In a statement, Moore said he cannot wait to see Utah front and center on the world stage once again.

“This bid was supported by over 80% of Utahns and will bring billions in GDP growth, tens of thousands of jobs, and showcase the world’s best athletes on the Greatest Snow on Earth,” said Moore. “I’m also thrilled that the Summer Olympics will return stateside to Los Angeles in 2028 and look forward to this bill quickly passing through both houses of Congress.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Salt Lake City as the host for the 2034 Winter Games following years of planning and bids from a Salt Lake City committee.

Karl Stoss, the chair of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games, commended Salt Lake’s bid, saying it was “a very strong project with an exceptionally high level of public and political support.”