The United States Mint this week published images and prices of the upcoming silver dollars commemorating 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 1.4 million members seeking to improve local communities throughout the world. More than 46,000 clubs provide humanitarian services in more than 200 countries.
Selected from among dozens of candidates, Lions Clubs coin designs were unveiled in June during a ceremony held at the organization’s 99th annual convention in Fukuoka, Japan. Dollar obverses or heads side feature 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, their reverse or tails side depicts a male and female lion with a lion cub superimposed over a globe.
The silver dollars will be available on Jan. 18, 2017 in collectible finishes of proof and uncirculated with a combined 400,000 authorized. Demand decides the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins — collectors tend to gravitate more toward proofs, preferring their frosted designs and mirror-like backgrounds.
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia produces both dollars. They are composed in 90% silver and 10% copper. Each weighs 26.73 grams, has a diameter of 1.500 inches, and features a reeded edge.
Introductory and Regular Prices
Introductory prices are established at $46.95 for the uncirculated and $47.95 for the proof. The discounted pricing period lasts until Feb. 15, 2017 when regular prices kick in at $51.95 for the uncirculated and $52.95 for the proof. These sets of prices represent $2 increases from the 2016-dated silver dollars commemorating Mark Twain and the National Park Service.
Surcharges
As directed by Public Law 112-181, prices for the Lions Clubs Silver Dollars 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.
Availability
Both dollars will be available at catalog.usmint.gov beginning on Jan. 18, 2017 at noon ET. The Mint can only be sold during calendar year 2017.
Congress authorizes two commemorative coin programs each year to celebrate and honor American people, places, events, or institutions. The U.S. Mint is also charged with striking and selling 2017 Boys Town Centennial Commemorative Coins in gold, silver and clad. The Boys Town coins are expected to launch in March.
