Gold, silver and clad commemorative coins will be released in 2017 that are emblematic of the 100 years of Boys Town.
The Boys Town Centennial Commemorative Coin Act was signed by President Obama into law on Monday, July 6, 2015. It calls for up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, no more than 350,000 silver dollars and a maximum of 300,000 clad half-dollar coins to celebrate the centennial founding of the nonprofit organization.
Founded on Dec. 12, 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan, Boys Town (www.boystown.org) serves underprivileged and at-risk children. The organization’s headquarters is near Omaha, Nebraska in the village of Boys Town. Every year, the organization serves more than 2 million children and families across the country.
"Boys Town offers a remarkable model of academic and spiritual engagement," proclaimed Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) who introduced the bill. "Boys Town is so impactful that about 90 percent of the children integrate successfully back into their communities … On December 12, 2017, Boys Town will celebrate 100 years of saving children and helping to heal families."
Numbered H.R.893 when introduced on Feb. 11, 2015, the bill passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote on June 23, 2015. Two days later, it made its way through the Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Specifications for the Boys Town coins will match other modern commemoratives struck by the United States Mint. For the gold coin, this includes a composition of 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy with a diameter of 0.850 inches and a weight of 8.359 grams. The silver dollars will be produced in 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper with a diameter of 1.5 inches and a weight of 26.73 grams. Clad half-dollar coins will have a diameter of 1.205 inches and a weight of 11.34 grams. They will be made in collector coin finishes of proof and uncirculated.
All will feature designs emblematic of the 100 years of Boys Town. Final design selections will be chosen by the Secretary of the Treasury after consultation with the National Executive Director of Boys Town, the United States Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee.
The authorizing law allows for surcharges to be collected on the sale of each commemorative coin. This includes $35 per gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar and $5 per clad half-dollar sold. Collected funds will be paid to Boys Town to carry out its cause of caring for and assisting children and families in underserved communities across America.
Congress can authorize a maximum of two commemorative coin programs each year. Another has already been approved for 2017 to celebrate the centennial founding of Lions Clubs International.
Something that Congress can agree on. Who could vote against this one?
If I was in Congress I would have voted against it. The organization serves a noble purpose but ask 100 people if they know what “Boys Town” is and probably 95 of them will say no. To bring in new collectors we have to create designs that appeal to the nation. Just like the original state quarters program did!!
I think the coins will sell. It’s one of those things that word of mouth . Posting on the media will help. Many pass students. It will work.
I think they are perfect. I love them. What a great way to honor a life changing man, and place. I know it did for me.