Public Law 112-181 authorized the U.S. Mint to strike up to 400,000 silver dollars to mark the centennial of the Lions Club – one of the world’s largest community service organizations that provides humanitarian services to members of over 47,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries and which has over 1.4 million members. On June 17, 2017 the organization marked the centennial of its founding. The group’s guiding principle is “We serve”.
The authorizing legislation stipulated that the coin’s design must be emblematic of the Lions Club International
The coin’s obverse design features a portrait of Melvin Jones, a Chicago business leader and founder of the Lions Club, paired with the Lions Club International logo and was designed by Artistic Infusion Program artist Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by then U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Joseph Menna, who is now the current Chief Engraver at the Mint.
The reverse depicts a male and female lion with a lion cub superimposed over a globe to emphasize the global nature of the organization. It was designed by AIP designer Patricia Lucas-Morris and sculpted by then U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Don Everhart, who has designed and sculpted many coins for the Mint.
A ceremonial strike was held to launch the coins at the Philadelphia Mint on November 9, 2016.
The Lions Club International Centennial Silver Dollar Coins (Buy on eBay) went on sale on January 18, 2017 for an initial issue price of $46.95 for the uncirculated version and $47.95 for the Proof. Both coins include a $10 surcharge that was to be paid to the Lions Club International Foundation to advance its programs for the blind and visually impaired; invest in technologies to help the disabled; and to invest in youth and those impacted by major disasters.
After the introductory period ended, the Uncirculated Lions Club International Centennial Silver Dollar Coins (Buy on eBay) was priced at $51.95, and the Proof was priced at $52.95.
Opening sales as of January 22, 2017 were 7,107 and 23,349 for the uncirculated and Proof coins respectively, and final sales for each were 17,247 and 68,519
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Joel Iskowitz (obverse), Patricia Lucas-Morris (reverse)
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Composition: 90% silver (0.7736 ounces)
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
- Maximum Authorized Mintage: 400,000
2017-P Uncirculated Lions Club Centennial Silver Dollar
- Pre-issue price: $46.95
- Regular price: $51.95
- Final Mintage: 17,247
2017-P Proof Lions Club Centennial Silver Dollar:
- Pre-issue price: $47.95
- Regular price: $52.95
- Final mintage: 68,519
