As expected, President Obama on October 5, 2012 signed into law the Lions Club International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 112-181).
Lions Clubs commemorative coins struck from 90% silver and in proof and uncirculated collector qualities will get produced by the U.S. Mint for sale during calendar year 2017.
Up to 400,000 silver dollars will feature designs that celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lions Club International (www.LionsClubs.org). LCI was founded in 1917 and has since become the world’s largest service club with 1.35 million members seeking to improve local communities throughout the world.
The Act, numbered H.R. 2139 and introduced by Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL6) on June 3, 2011, passed in the House on September 10, 2012 and then in the Senate on September 22, 2012. A Senate version, S. 1299, was also introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on June 29, 2011.
In addition to their silver composition, the commemorative coins will have the typical modern specifications that include a diameter of 1.5 inches and a weight of 26.73 grams. They will also bear inscriptions of 2017, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
U.S. Mint artists will create the obverse and reverse designs. Based on recently issued commemorative coins, it seems a good chance that they will feature a reverse of the club’s emblem. It would also seem likely that the club’s "We Serve" motto will be prominently seen. Eventual designs will get reviewed by the Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee and selected by the Treasury Secretary by 2016 after consultation with Lions Clubs International Special Centennial Planning Committee and the Commission of Fine Arts.
Sales of the Lions Clubs commemorative coins will include a $10 surcharge for the Lions Club International Foundation for: (1) furthering its programs for the blind and visually impaired in the United States and abroad; (2) investing in adaptive technologies for the disabled; and (3) investing in youth and those affected by a major disasters.
Great news and one of milestone revolution of International Lions Club in international arena. So we lions clubs are happy to know this achievement.
Lions Club of Manjushree (proposed)
District 325A2 Nepal
I wonder how many of these coins are bought by members of the commemorated organization and how many bought by unaffiliated coin collectors. Average sales over the last 10 yrs is ~70% with the exception of the buffalo and Lincoln coins both of which sold out (100%).
One would think that with over 1 million members this coin would sell out – I bet it doesn’t.
When I was a kid, I was able to attend the special summer camp for handicapped children in Kerriville TX. It was completly funded by The Lions Club. I went three seperate Summers and enjoyed each one very much. I am now 48 and feel a great sense of gratitude to the Lions Club. If the news of this commemorative coin is given ample publicity, I think many of the former children who benifited from the club in some way would be happy to buy one and help give back in some way to this great organization. I know I… Read more »
What a great day for the Lions that Senate has approved lion commemorative coin and signed into law by president Obama. I am eagerly waiting to possess the coin. Al the 1.35 lions should register and procure the coin.
Lion Neelakanta
Lions club Bangalore greater Jnanabharathi
District 317A INDIA
Griffin – don’t forget that only $10 of your purchase price goes to the LCIF. If your sole purpose in buying the coin is to support the LCIF you’re better off sending the whole $50 or $60 to the LCIF instead.