First Lions dollar comes off press

Lions founder Melvin Jones appears on obverse while a family of lions appear on reverse of the 2017 Lions silver dollar.

The 2017 Lions Clubs International commemorative silver dollar was introduced at a special striking ceremony at the Philadelphia Mint Nov. 9.

Lions Clubs International Centennial Committee Chairman James Franklin Moore III joined Mint Principal Deputy Director Rhett Jeppson to strike proof examples of the new coin.

Jeppson said, “The United States Mint is proud to honor one of the most well-known and highly regarded service organizations.”

Moore struck the first proof example of the 100th anniversary coin that depicts Lions founder Melvin Jones on obverse. On the reverse are male and female lions and a lion cub.

The obverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz, who is part of the Artistic Infusion program, and sculpted by Joseph Menna, Mint sculptor-engraver.

The reverse was done by AIP designer Patricia Lucas-Morris and sculpted by Mint sculptor-engraver Don Everhart.

From left, Don Everhart, Rhett Jeppson, James Franklin Moore III and Joseph Menna join to show off the first strikes of the new 2017 Lions centennial commemorative silver dollar.

When the coins go on sale in 2017, the price will include a $10 surcharge that will go to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to fund its programs for the blind and visually impaired, invest in adaptive technologies for the disabled, and invest in youth and those affected by disasters.

There are 1.4 million Lions in 47,000 clubs around the world. The organization got its start June 7, 1917. Jones was a Chicago businessman.