PHILADELPHIA – The United States Mint (Mint) today hosted a ceremonial strike event at its Philadelphia facility for the 2017 Lions Clubs International Centennial Silver Dollar.
“The United States Mint is proud to honor one of the most well-known and highly regarded service organizations,” said Mint Principal Deputy Director Jeppson. “Service is a core value of the Mint, and the Lions Clubs is one of the best examples of service not only here in the United States, but across the world.”
Jeppson was joined by James Franklin Moore, III, chairperson of the Lions Clubs International Centennial Committee. Moore, who struck the first proof silver dollar coin during the ceremony, remarked: “Lions Clubs International is honored to be among a relatively few organizations to be included in the United States Mint Commemorative Coin program. This is a wonderful way to mark our 100 years of global humanitarian service.”
Public Law 112-181 authorizes the Mint to strike and issue up to 400,000 silver dollar coins with designs emblematic of the Lions Clubs International centennial.
The coin’s obverse (heads) features a portrait of founder Melvin Jones paired with the Lions Clubs International logo. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “MELVIN JONES,” “FOUNDER,” and “2017.” The obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
The reverse (tails) depicts a male and female lion with a lion cub superimposed over a globe. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$1,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE.” The reverse was designed by AIP Designer Patricia Lucas-Morris and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.
The price of each Lions Clubs International Centennial Silver Dollar will include a $10 surcharge that is 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.
The United States Mint will announce the coin’s release date and additional pricing information in 2017.
On June 7, 2017, Lions Clubs International will celebrate 100 years of community service to men, women, and children worldwide. Since its founding, it has become one of the world’s largest organizations of its kind. Its 1.4 million members in more than 47,000 clubs provide humanitarian services in more than 200 countries.
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold, and platinum bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.