Today, Nov. 9, the United States Mint hosted a ceremonial striking event for the 2017 commemorative coin program honoring the 100th anniversary of the founding of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization.
James Frank Moore III, chairman of the Lions Clubs International Centennial Committee, struck the first proof silver dollar at the ceremony.
"Lions Clubs International is honored to be among a relatively few organizations to be included in the United States Mint Commemorative Coin program," Moore said. "This is a wonderful way to mark our 100 years of global humanitarian service."
With the enactment of the Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law-181), Congress authorized silver dollars in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated. A combined 400,000 may be sold during calendar year 2017 with both versions made at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, the location of the striking ceremony.
The silver dollar’s obverse or heads side features a portrait of founder Melvin Jones paired with the organization’s logo. Joel Iskowitz created the artwork and Joseph Menna sculpted it. Designed by Patricia Lucas-Morris and sculpted by Don Everhart, reverses depict a male and female lion with a lion cub superimposed over a globe.
The commemorative coins will be available to the public beginning in January 2017. Their prices will include a $10 surcharge authorized to be paid to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to further its programs for the blind and visually impaired in the United States and abroad; invest in adaptive technologies for the disabled; and invest in youth and those affected by a major disaster.
On June 7, 2017, Lions Clubs International (www.lionsclubs.org) will celebrate 100 years of community service to men, women, and children worldwide. Its 1.4 million members in more than 47,000 clubs provide humanitarian services in more than 200 countries.
@Mike Unser From the earlier “Mintage” blog .. sorry about bringing it up now but I don’t think I saw any posters asking about the points below. The Mint orders their packaging overseas and often it takes longer to get the packaging than striking additional coins. Did the Mint say where from overseas their packaging was coming from? Did the Mint say how long it took on average to get the additional packaging? Did the Mint say why the contracted with overseas companies instead of US? Did the Mint say whether orders were cancelled because of the length of time… Read more »