2017 Lions Clubs Commemorative Coin Designs Recommended

Design recommendations for the two 2017 Lions Clubs Commemorative Coins have been made. Based on reviews, their obverse will feature the club’s founder and logo and their reverse will depict lions against a globe.

Candidate silver dollar designs to mark the centennial of Lions Clubs International (www.LionsClubs.org) went under review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee on Thursday, Oct. 8, and by the Commission of Fine Arts on Sept. 17.

The two bodies weren’t in complete agreement. The CFA recommended obverse #2 and reverse #5-B, in support of the preferences of the U.S. Mint’s liaison from the Lions Clubs. Both designs appear here:

The CCAC also selected obverse #2, but preferred reverse #5-A over the busier #5-B. They appear together here:

Neither the CFA nor the CCAC is tasked with making the final selections. The U.S. Treasury Secretary has that responsibility.

Obverse Candidate Designs

To follow are images and descriptions of designs candidates for the obverse.

LC-O-01 and LC-O-01A present a portrait of Lions Clubs International founder Melvin Jones with a pair of eyeglasses in his hands, as he places them on the face of the viewer. In LC-O-01, an inscription, "Do something for somebody else" is depicted with some words magnified by the lenses of the eyeglasses.

LC-O-02, the recommended obverse by all parties, depicts Melvin Jones paired with the Lions Clubs logo. An additional inscription reads, "MELVIN JONES FOUNDER."

LC-O-03 portrays Melvin Jones in front of a globe, with the inscription, "We Serve."

LC-O-04, LC-O-05 and LC-O-06 present Melvin Jones together with a lion. In design LC-O-05, the lion is depicted in silhouette, reminiscent of the Lions Clubs International logo. Additional inscriptions include, "We Serve," "LIONS CLUBS Founder" and "Melvin Jones."

LC-O-07 through LC-O-10 feature Melvin Jones superimposed over the Lions Clubs logo. Additional inscriptions include, "We Serve," "Melvin Jones," and "Founder."

LC-O-11 portrays a child putting on eyeglasses and Melvin Jones, with the inscriptions, "LIONS CLUBS" and "Melvin Jones."

LC-O-12 and LC-O-13 depict portraits of Melvin Jones with the inscription, "Melvin Jones, lions clubs Founder."

Reverse Candidate Designs

To follow are images and descriptions of designs candidates for the reverse.

LC-R-01 through LC-R-04A depict the Lions Clubs International logo. In LC-R-01, a stylized globe, placed behind the logo, signifies the global presence of the Lions Clubs. Inscriptions include "Since 1917," "Strength, Courage, Fidelity, Action," "Celebrating 100 Years of Service," "1917" and "2017."

LC-R-05, LC-R-05A and LC-R-5B feature a lion or lions set against a globe. In design LC-R-05 a torch accompanies the lion, symbolizing Hellen Keller’s charge to Lions to become "knights…in the crusade against darkness," through their aid to the blind and visually impaired. LC-R-05 and LC-R-05A include the inscription "SINCE 1917." LC-R-5B, the Lions Clubs’ preferred reverse design, features a cub accompanying a male and a female lion, and the inscription "CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE."

LC-R-06 and LC-R-07 present a male and female lion in profile. Inscriptions include "Since 1917" and "CELEBRATING 100 Years of Service." LC-R-08 has inscriptions of "Fidelity, Action, Courage, Strength" lined up to spell the word "Lion" vertically.

LC-R-09 and LC-R-09A depict a male and a female lion, with the inscriptions "Strength, Courage, Fidelity, Action," "Lions Clubs" and "Since 1917." LC-R-09A additionally depicts a lion cub.

LC-R-10, LC-R-11, LC-R-11A and LC-R-11B feature a male and female lion superimposed over a globe. Inscriptions include "Lions Clubs," "100 Years of Service," "CELEBRATING 100 Years of Service," "100 Years" and "Strength, Courage, Fidelity, Action." LC-R-10 and LC-R-11 additionally feature a lion cub, while LC-R-11A features the Lions Clubs International logo.

LC-R-12 shows two lions standing on a globe, with latitude and longitude lines giving it form beneath their feet. An additional inscription reads, "Since 1917."

LC-R-13 depicts a pride of lions walking together. Inscriptions include, "Celebrating 100 Years of Service."

LC-R-14 and LC-R-14A present a pride of lions at rest. LC-R-14 includes the Lions Clubs logo. Additional inscriptions include, "100 Years of Service," "Strength, Courage, Fidelity, Action" and "CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SERVICE."

Authorized by Public Law 112-181, the United States Mint in 2017 will produce up to 400,000 Lions Clubs Silver Dollars in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated. Sales of each coin will include a $10 surcharge for the Lions Clubs 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.