2017-P $1 Lions Club Centennial (Melvin Jones) Silver Commem – BU

In the early 20th century, as the world grappled with the aftermath of World War I and rapid industrialization, a visionary businessman from Chicago named Melvin Jones saw an opportunity for change. Driven by a belief that success in business should be coupled with a commitment to improving one's community, Jones set out to create an organization that would harness the talents of successful individuals for the greater good. This vision culminated in the founding of Lions Clubs International on June 7, 1917, marking the birth of what would become the world's largest service club organization.

Melvin Jones' journey began in the rugged landscape of Fort Thomas, Arizona, where he was born on January 13, 1879. As the son of an Army captain, Jones was exposed to the values of duty and service from an early age. These formative experiences would later shape his approach to business and philanthropy. After moving to Chicago and establishing himself as a successful insurance agency owner, Jones found himself questioning the purpose of business-focused groups that prioritized personal gain over community welfare.

It was this introspection that led Jones to propose a radical idea to his fellow businessmen: what if they used their skills and resources to improve their communities? This simple yet powerful concept resonated with many, and soon, delegates from various men's clubs across the United States gathered in Chicago to lay the groundwork for a new kind of organization. Jones' personal motto, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," became the guiding principle for the newly formed Lions Clubs International.

Under Jones' dynamic leadership, Lions Clubs quickly gained prestige and attracted civic-minded members from all walks of life. The organization's commitment to service spread rapidly, transcending national borders and cultural boundaries. Jones himself became a full-time leader of the organization, abandoning his insurance agency to devote himself entirely to the cause he had created.

As Lions Clubs International approached its centennial year in 2017, the organization had grown to encompass over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries and geographic areas. The impact of Melvin Jones' vision had become truly global, with Lions Clubs known worldwide for their dedication to community service, particularly in the areas of vision care, hunger relief, environmental protection, and disaster response.

To commemorate this remarkable journey and honor the legacy of its founder, the United States Mint issued a special silver dollar in 2017. This coin serves not only as a tribute to Melvin Jones and the Lions Clubs International centennial but also as a tangible piece of history that encapsulates a century of service, compassion, and global community building.

Design Features

The obverse of this commemorative silver dollar features a striking portrait of Melvin Jones, capturing the essence of the man whose vision changed the world. His likeness is rendered with meticulous detail, conveying both strength and compassion – qualities that defined his leadership. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions "MELVIN JONES," "FOUNDER OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL," and the years "1917-2017," marking the centennial celebration. The obverse also includes the word "LIBERTY," the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the year of minting, 2017.

On the reverse, the coin showcases the official Lions Clubs International logo – a powerful symbol recognized around the globe. The logo depicts two lions' heads, facing outward, symbolizing the organization's proud past and optimistic future. This design element is complemented by the inscription "LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CENTENNIAL," emphasizing the historic nature of this commemorative issue. Below the logo, the coin proudly displays the Lions Clubs' motto, "WE SERVE," encapsulating the organization's core mission in two simple yet profound words. The reverse also includes the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" and the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," reflecting the coin's status as legal tender of the United States.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Philadelphia
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Portrait of Melvin Jones with commemorative inscriptions
• Reverse: Lions Clubs International logo with centennial markings

Investment Appeal

This 2017-P $1 Lions Club Centennial Silver Commemorative coin represents an exceptional opportunity for both numismatists and investors. Its 90% silver content provides intrinsic value as a precious metal investment, while its limited mintage and historical significance offer potential for appreciation beyond its metal value.

The coin's association with Lions Clubs International, a globally recognized organization with millions of members worldwide, ensures a broad base of interest and potential demand. This widespread recognition can contribute to the coin's liquidity and long-term value retention.

Furthermore, as a commemorative issue marking the centennial of a major international organization, this coin holds particular appeal for collectors of historical memorabilia and those interested in philanthropic themes. The connection to Melvin Jones, a figure of significant historical importance in the realm of community service, adds an additional layer of collectible value.

For investors, the coin's production by the United States Mint guarantees its quality and authenticity, factors that are crucial in the numismatic market. The Philadelphia mint mark (P) further authenticates its provenance and may appeal to collectors focused on mint-specific issues.

In summary, this Lions Club Centennial Silver Commemorative coin offers a unique blend of precious metal content, historical significance, and collectible appeal. It stands as both a tribute to a century of global service and a potentially valuable addition to any numismatic portfolio or silver collection.